Business/Managerial Economics at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,967/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)
ROI 23.4x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #52 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Managerial Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $679K $655K $584K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.2x 23.4x 20.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.7x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 58% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (8.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,329
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,980
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Long Beach's Business/Managerial Economics graduates start at $38,967/yr, trailing the $53,330 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 23.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Managerial Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,329 in median debt clears quickly against $38,967 in annual earnings.

A #52 ranking among 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs places California State University-Long Beach in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $38,967-to-$66,980 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach's 47% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 34,131 students in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Managerial Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Long Beach

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Managerial Economics at California State University-Long Beach?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business/Managerial Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business/Managerial Economics at California State University-Long Beach?
The 53% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Long Beach a good choice for Business/Managerial Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Long Beach's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →