California State University-Monterey Bay campus
California State University-Monterey Bay logo

California State University-Monterey Bay

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale Suburb: Midsize
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Dormitory capacity 3,565
Student to faculty ratio 23 to 1
Acceptance rate 93%
Students retention rate 81%
On-time graduation rate 60%

Located in Seaside, California, CSUMB is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 93% indicates that CSUMB is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

California State University-Monterey Bay is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

CSUMB boasts an impressive student retention rate of 81% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

92.8%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$7,218

Cost of attendance at California State University-Monterey Bay in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$19,098

Cost of attendance at California State University-Monterey Bay in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 69 of freshman students at California State University-Monterey Bay received on average $9,097 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,097
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 370 43% $4,945 $1,829,832
Other Federal Grant 381 45% $5,237 $1,995,272
State Grant/Scholarships 424 50% $2,770 $1,174,533
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 397 46% $5,603 $2,224,429
Total Grant & Scholarships 593 69% $9,097 $5,394,234

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of California State University-Monterey Bay students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of California State University-Monterey Bay students is 60.2%. Female students graduated at a rate of 62.7%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 54.9%.

60.2%

  • asian 70.0% 35 students
  • African American 46.2% 43 students
  • white 62.1% 172 students
  • unknown 59.5% 25 students
  • hawaiian 66.7% 2 students
  • hispanic 59.9% 273 students
  • International Students 58.3% 21 students
  • Mixed Race 64.4% 58 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball California Collegiate Athletic Association
  • Basketball California Collegiate Athletic Association
  • Track and Cross Country California Collegiate Athletic Association

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

California State University-Monterey Bay provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

California State University-Monterey Bay offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training