What Verdica's 787 score means for California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Long Beach scores 787 out of 850 on Verdica's composite index, placing it in the strong range (740–799). This score reflects reliable institutional performance across the measurable dimensions Verdica tracks: accreditation standing, student outcomes data, and regulatory compliance.
A score in the strong band indicates that an education provider has met or exceeded baseline expectations set by federal and state regulators, with visible strengths in at least one or two core areas. For readers evaluating this institution—whether as prospective students, employers, or partners—a 787 suggests low risk of sudden accreditation loss or major regulatory action. However, it also signals room for improvement, particularly in student outcomes metrics, which is the lowest-scoring sub-dimension.
Readers should interpret this score as a thumbprint of institutional stability and regulatory standing, not a guarantee of teaching quality or employment outcomes for any individual student. The score is built on public, regulator-tracked data (accreditation status, Title IV compliance records, and federal enrollment/completion statistics), not on customer satisfaction or academic reputation.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845 / 850
This near-maximum score reflects that California State University-Long Beach holds valid regional accreditation and, very likely, relevant programmatic accreditation for key disciplines. In the education sector, accreditation status is binary for regulators—a school either holds it or loses it—but Verdica's sub-score captures the breadth and currency of accreditation credentials. A score of 845 indicates robust accreditation standing with minimal flags or restrictions. Accreditation is the threshold requirement for federal financial aid eligibility, so a high score here signals that students can access Title IV loans and grants.
Student Outcomes: 685 / 850
This mid-range score indicates acceptable but not exceptional performance on federal student outcome metrics. These metrics typically include graduation rates, student loan repayment rates, and employment outcomes (measured via IPEDS data required by the U.S. Department of Education). A score of 685 places this dimension in the acceptable band (670–739), meaning the institution is meeting regulatory minimums but is not an outlier in performance. This suggests some students complete their programs and enter the workforce successfully, but completion or employment rates may lag peers or national benchmarks in some fields.
Compliance: 835 / 850
This strong score indicates that California State University-Long Beach is in good standing with Title IV compliance requirements and has no recent, material violations on file with regulators. Title IV compliance encompasses proper administration of federal financial aid, accurate reporting to IPEDS, and adherence to enrollment agreement and disclosure rules. A score of 835 reflects clean or near-clean compliance records in these areas over the review period.
What regulators in CA track for education providers
California's higher education landscape is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (federal regulator), the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC), California's community college chancellor's office, and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (for for-profits and private institutions).
For public universities like Cal State Long Beach, the primary compliance levers are:
- Accreditation status and sanctions: Accreditors monitor institutional resources, program quality, and governance. Loss of accreditation or placement on warning status is a major red flag.
- Title IV compliance: Federal audits verify accurate financial aid disbursement, disclosure of net price, program eligibility, and student loan default management.
- IPEDS reporting: Institutions report enrollment, completion, and earnings data annually; inaccuracy or chronic underperformance can trigger investigations.
Violations in these areas can result in loss of aid eligibility, fines, or accreditation sanctions. Most public universities maintain compliance; significant breaches are uncommon but carry severe consequences.
Bottom line
California State University-Long Beach is a strong, low-risk provider with solid accreditation and compliance standing. Prospective students and employers should confirm that specific degree programs align with their needs, as student outcomes vary by field—the composite score does not predict performance in individual programs.