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California State University-Long Beach and Santa Clara University are both public institutions — California State University-Long Beach in Long Beach, CA and Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Long Beach, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 46.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 35,924
Tuition: $19,950/year
Student-faculty ratio: 23.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Long Beach, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Visual and performing arts.
Santa Clara, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 48.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,552
Tuition: $61,293/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 87.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Santa Clara, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
| Factor | California State University-Long Beach | Santa Clara University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 46.3% | 48.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1350–1490 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 31–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 35,924 | 6,552 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,950/year | $61,293/year |
| Average net price after aid | $10,440 | $50,062 |
| Graduation rate | 68.9% | 87.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,403 | $109,183 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 23.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Long Beach, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (46.3% vs 48.0%). California State University-Long Beach has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,440 vs $50,062). Santa Clara University reports the higher graduation rate (87.9% vs 68.9%). California State University-Long Beach is the larger undergraduate campus (35,924 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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California State University-Long Beach vs University of California-Santa Barbara
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-Long Beach and Santa Clara University
California State University-Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46.3%; Santa Clara University is around 48.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-Long Beach tuition is $19,950/year. Santa Clara University is $61,293/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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