California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), located in Long Beach, California, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many public universities in the state. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for additional coursework. The Fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester generally starts in mid-January and ends in mid-May. CSULB also offers a brief Winter session in January for intensive courses, providing students with flexibility to accelerate their studies or explore specialized topics during the break between semesters.
- Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated) - Classes begin for the Fall term, marking the start of the academic year.
- Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 - Campus closed for the national holiday.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated) - No classes, with campus typically closed for the holiday weekend.
- Fall Semester End/Finals: December 15–20, 2025 (estimated) - Final exams period, concluding the Fall term.
- Winter Session: January 5–16, 2026 (estimated) - Optional short-term courses during the break.
- Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- Spring Break: March 30–April 3, 2026 (estimated) - Week-long break with no classes.
- Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (estimated) - Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.
- Application Period Opens: October 1, 2024 (estimated) - Applications for Fall 2025 admission become available for the Class of 2030.
- Priority Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 (estimated) - Early submission encouraged for first-time freshmen to ensure consideration for impacted programs.
- Regular Decision Deadline: February 15, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for most undergraduate applications for Fall 2025.
- Admission Notification: March–April 2025 (estimated) - Applicants typically receive decisions during this period.
- Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) - National College Decision Day, when admitted students must confirm enrollment.
- Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
The academic calendar at CSULB aligns closely with other California State University system schools and regional norms, incorporating standard breaks for national holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This structure offers predictability for students, including international students who may need to plan travel or visa renewals around these periods. The optional Winter and Summer sessions provide additional flexibility, catering to diverse student needs such as accelerated degree completion or balancing work and study. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, as official calendars may not yet be published. Regularly checking the university’s official resources is recommended for the most current information.
