I want to talk about California State University, Long Beach, a university that is absolutely essential when discussing Long Beach.

This school is commonly referred to as CSULB or Long Beach State. If you are a Korean parent living in Long Beach, you may have heard of it at least once.

This university is part of the CSU (California State University) system, located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd in Long Beach.

With about 37,000 enrolled students, it is a large campus that is bustling with activity all day long.

It graduates over 10,000 students each year, making it a significant institution that impacts the local economy and businesses in Long Beach.

Some Korean parents think, "If you can't get into a UC, isn't CSU the next option?" but that is an old story.

Nowadays, CSULB is quite competitive among CSU schools. Particularly, majors in Nursing, Engineering, Business, and Computer Science have very high admission standards. Maintaining a good high school GPA is essential, and getting into popular programs is not easy without proper preparation.

However, there are reasons why many parents prefer CSULB. The main one is cost-effectiveness. For California residents, the annual tuition and basic fees are around $7,000 to $8,000, which is much less burdensome than a UC. Of course, when you add in dormitory or housing costs, food, and textbooks, you should expect to spend about $25,000 to $30,000 a year, but compared to other four-year universities, it remains quite competitive.

Another important point I want to mention is scholarships. There are actually many types of scholarships available in the U.S.

If you have excellent academic performance, you may qualify for a Merit Scholarship, and if your family income is below a certain threshold, you can receive financial aid such as Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, Pell Grant, or State University Grant (SUG). Many students significantly reduce their tuition burden just by properly applying for FAFSA or the California Dream Act.

Another advantage is the transfer system. Many Korean parents choose to study for two years at Long Beach City College or Cerritos College before transferring to CSULB. This is a well-known method that allows students to save on tuition while still obtaining the same bachelor's degree.

The campus atmosphere is also pleasant. There are many trees and it is spacious, making it great for walks, and the sports facilities and library are well-equipped. There are also a good number of Korean students, so the KSA (Korean Student Association) is quite active. For students entering an American university for the first time, making friends from Korea is relatively easy.

From what I hear from parents around me, many express the hope that "our child doesn't get too stressed out just aiming for a UC." In fact, there are many Koreans who graduated from CSULB and have succeeded in good companies and professional careers. Ultimately, what matters is not the name of the school, but what major the child chooses and how hard they prepare.

So if you live in Long Beach, CSULB is not just a nearby university, but a truly excellent school worth aiming for. The financial burden is relatively low, the education level is high, and the job competitiveness is good, making it one of the most realistic four-year universities for many Korean families today.