California State University-Monterey Bay
About California State University-Monterey Bay
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CSU Monterey Bay is a public university in Seaside, California, on the former Fort Ord military base near the Monterey Bay coast. It offers programs in marine science, business, health, and technology with small class sizes.
Founded
1994
Location
Seaside, California
Students
7,625
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
97.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
59.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,779
Out-of-state: $20,379
Avg Net Price
$13,663
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$59,247
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jul 1
California State University-Monterey Bay accepts the majority of applicants at 97.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
59.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.9%
4-Year Grad
33%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
51.4%
$/Student
$11.7K
Class Size
Large
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 79.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,779
In-State
$20,379
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,234
Books & Supplies
$899
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,987
After Financial Aid
$13,663
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,970
Receive Grants
43.2%
Take Loans
28.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,987/yr for in-state students, including $17,234 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,663. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,379.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Monterey Bay fund their education.
While in School
43.2%
Get Grants
Free money
28.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,759
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$12,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$135/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $12,750, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Monterey Bay.
Gender
59.5%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,819
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
806
Graduates
51.8%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
18%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 51.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
6,819
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Monterey Bay fields 8 varsity teams with 316 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Baseball
Student Athletes
316
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
148
Men
168
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Monterey Bayearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,247
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$29K
293 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$30K
250 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
241 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$71K
207 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$35K
133 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
132 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $49K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Monterey Bay
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Monterey Bay?▾
How much does California State University-Monterey Bay cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Monterey Bay?▾
How much do California State University-Monterey Bay graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.