Public Institution

California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, California

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Annual Tuition $7,437

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 94.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,811

Active Students

Avg. Salary $59,247

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Seaside, California
Institution type Public
Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Founded 4/28/1998

Academic Mission & Environment

"California State University-Monterey Bay stands as a pillar of higher education in Seaside, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,811 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does California State University-Monterey Bay offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at California State University-Monterey Bay. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Psychology
14.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
12.8%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
12.7%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
10.5%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
6.7%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
6.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at California State University-Monterey Bay provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at California State University-Monterey Bay provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Monterey Bay?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 94.8%
Difficulty Low

California State University-Monterey Bay maintains an acceptance rate of 94.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 40.5%
Women Enrollment 59.5%

Open Pathway Confirmed

California State University-Monterey Bay follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for California State University-Monterey Bay.

Official Admission Portal

How much does California State University-Monterey Bay cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $7,437
Out-of-State Tuition $19,317

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 43%
Median Student Debt $12,750

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $7,437, graduates see a median starting salary of $59,247, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can California State University-Monterey Bay graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $59,247

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 63.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,487
Median Salary (6yr) $48,648
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at California State University-Monterey Bay in Seaside?

5,811 Students

Gender Comparison

40.5% Men
59.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

79.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
6.1%
Black
2.7%
White
26.8%
Unknown
2.7%
Hispanic
53.9%
Two or More Races
5.5%
International
2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 51.8%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 77.1%
🎖️
Veterans 0.4%
💍
Married Students 8.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 23.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $70,802
Average Family Income $41,631
Median Family Income $28,759

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

40.8%
59.2%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Seaside Campus Environment

Located at 100 Campus Center, California State University-Monterey Bay offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about California State University-Monterey Bay

Is California State University-Monterey Bay a good college in Seaside, California?
California State University-Monterey Bay is a recognized institution in Seaside with an enrollment of 5,811 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.
Is California State University-Monterey Bay worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $59,247 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does California State University-Monterey Bay cost for California residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at California State University-Monterey Bay is approximately $7,437. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,317. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of California State University-Monterey Bay after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending California State University-Monterey Bay for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 77.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is California State University-Monterey Bay good for Psychology and Business & Marketing programs?
California State University-Monterey Bay reports program activity in Psychology and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending California State University-Monterey Bay?
Graduates of California State University-Monterey Bay often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Psychology. With a median salary of $59,247, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for California State University-Monterey Bay?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on California State University-Monterey Bay's official admissions website.
Does California State University-Monterey Bay require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on California State University-Monterey Bay's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can California State University-Monterey Bay graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of California State University-Monterey Bay earn a median salary of $59,247 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is California State University-Monterey Bay a good investment compared to other CA colleges?
Compare California State University-Monterey Bay's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.
Where is California State University-Monterey Bay located and what is the campus like?
California State University-Monterey Bay is located at 100 Campus Center in Seaside, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,811 learners.
Who typically attends California State University-Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA?
The student body at California State University-Monterey Bay is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 51.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare California State University-Monterey Bay with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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