CSUMB Academic Snapshot

Admission Selectiveness:

  • Admission Rate: 97.40%. Not very selective

Tuition Overview:

  • In-State Tuition: $7,779
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $20,379
  • In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.

Student Population at CSUMB:

  • Total Enrollment: 7,713, including 420 online students
  • 6,907 Undergraduate, 806 Graduate
  • Gender Distribution: 39.3% men, 60.7% women.
  • This is a medium-sized institution, offering diverse programs and student activities.

Graduation & Retention Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 59%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
  • Transfer-Out Rate: 5%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
  • First-Year Retention Rate: 80%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.

Programs & Degrees Offered

  • Programs Offered: 44 academic programs available.
  • Online Programs: 1 programs available fully online.
  • Graduate Programs: 11 graduate-level programs offered.
  • Special Programs: Health Professions.
  • Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's.

CSUMB Overview

California State University-Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a four-year, public school located in Seaside, CA. California State University-Monterey Bay was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (larger programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.

The CSUMB's tuition & fees is $7,779 for California residents and $20,379 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 69% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $11,887.

The school has a total enrollment of 7,713 and the students to faculty ratio is 24 to 1 (4.17%).

CSUMB's acceptance rate is 97.40% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 9.76%.

CSUMB ranked 66th in California Colleges rankings. California State University-Monterey Bay is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of California State University-Monterey Bay is $7,779 for in-state students and $20,379 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $9,303 for in-state students and $19,383 for out-of-state students.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $8,137 for California residents and $21,499 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $9,756 for California residents and $20,446 for out-of-state students.

In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$7,779$20,379
Graduate$9,303$19,383
In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$8,137$21,499
Graduate$9,756$20,446

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.


Admission Key Statistics

Acceptance Rate »97.40% Acceptance Rate / 9.76% Yield
Graduation Rate »59%
Transfer-out Rate5%
Retention Rate80%(full-time), 14% (part-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio4.17% (24 to 1)
Student Population »7,713 (6,907 undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »$11,887

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

California State University-Monterey Bay offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Special Learning Opportunities at CSUMB
Learning Opportunities
ROTCNo
Weekend/Evening CollegeNo
Teacher CertificationYes
Study AbroadYes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling serviceYes
Employment services for studentsYes
Placement services for completersYes
On-campus day care for students' childrenYes

California State University-Monterey Bay Directory Information

Address100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA 93955-8001
Phone831-582-3000
WEBSchool's Website
AdmissionAdmission Information
Online ApplicationApply Online
Financial AidDeadlines and Applications
Net Price CalculatorNet Price Calculator
Veterans TuitionVeterans Benefit Information
Disability ServiceDisability Services
School Typefour-year, public
Carnegie CategoryMaster's College and University (larger programs)
Highest Degree OfferedMaster's degree

Tools for analyzing and comparing CSUMB

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