Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Seaside, California |
| Online | csumb.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
California State University-Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a public institution established in 1994 on the site of the former Fort Ord in Seaside, California, a short distance from the city of Monterey. The university's campus spans over 1,300 acres, offering views of the nearby Pacific Ocean and a layout that reflects the ecological awareness of its design, including environmental conservation efforts. Housing is available for students on this campus, which exhibits a mix of modern and repurposed military architecture. CSUMB provides a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular emphasis on marine science, environmental studies, and business. The university has a moderately selective admissions process. The Otters, as CSUMB's athletic teams are known, participate in NCAA Division II, but the college does not specifically focus on athletics as a core part of its identity.
In the most recent statistical year 12,568 prospective students applied, and 11,611 were granted admission. Of those admitted 904 enrolled in the school. 5,949 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,096 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,742 plus fees of $1,581. CSUMB is ranked 861 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
CSUMB is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for California State University Monterey Bay within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#861 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#330 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#53 in Best Colleges in California
#22 in Best Public Colleges in California
#251 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 960/1160 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| GPA | 3.45 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $1,581 |
| Room and Board | $16,262 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,051 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,788 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $1,581 |
| Room and Board | $16,262 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,051 |
| Total One Year Cost | $39,668 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 22% |
| Business | 16% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 8% |
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=409698 IPEDS survey data for California State University Monterey Bay.
Current students may use the California State University Monterey Bay GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.