California State University-Monterey Bay

92.4%Acceptance

$7,437Tuition

5,811Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,247Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Monterey Bay

CSU Monterey Bay transforms a former military base into a center for environmental innovation and marine science. The university enrolls 5,811 students on its suburban campus in Seaside, where sustainability initiatives and ocean research define the academic culture. Nearly 54% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse Central Coast community. The campus sits minutes from Monterey Bay, making it a natural laboratory for marine biology and environmental science programs that draw students passionate about conservation.

Students pay an average of $14,487 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $9,654 annually. Graduates earn a median of $59,247 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $12,750 manageable with monthly payments of $135. Over 43% of students receive Pell Grants, and the high acceptance rate of 92% makes quality education accessible to first-generation college students.

The Otters compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 283 student-athletes sharing $909,200 in athletic scholarships. Nearly 80% of freshmen return for sophomore year, though only 63% complete their degree within six years. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps explain the strong 93% employment rate among graduates.

Academics & Faculty

CSU Monterey Bay built its academic reputation on marine science and environmental studies, taking advantage of its coastal location on a former military base. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, with 53.86% of students identifying as Hispanic. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide reasonable individual attention in smaller classes. The school's environmental focus extends across multiple programs, from watershed science to sustainable hospitality management. However, the 62.40% four-year graduation rate suggests students may need extra time to complete degrees. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, reflecting California State University's mission as a full public university focused on practical education rather than research.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.2%
Retention Rate: 79.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,247
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$79,389
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$76,460
Educational/Instructional Media Design.	Master	$71,957
Education, General.	Master	$63,005
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$61,516
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$60,049
Social Work.	Master	$55,964
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$46,087
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$40,368
Human Services, General.	Bachelor	$36,533

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

The former military base setting creates a unique campus where 58% of students live on campus among converted barracks and modern dorms. Students wake up to fog rolling in from Monterey Bay, then spend afternoons studying outside in 65-degree sunshine. You'll need layers more than a heavy coat in this mild coastal climate.

CSU Monterey Bay sits 20 minutes from the tourist center of Monterey and two hours south of San Francisco. The Otters compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports, though with 283 total athletes, most students find their weekend fun elsewhere. Beach volleyball pickup games are common, and many students drive to nearby hiking trails or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The campus maintains its military base bones with wide, orderly pathways between buildings. Hispanic students make up 54% of enrollment, creating a active Latino cultural presence on campus. Environmental sustainability runs deep here, with students often organizing beach cleanups and conservation projects. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in marine science labs.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 3,376 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

86 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Domestic Violence	31	11	0
Stalking	12	8	0
Rape	6	5	0
Aggravated Assault	4	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	1
Arson	2	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–58°F
July Avg: 52°–66°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.1"
Annual Snowfall: -3,110.6"

Student Demographics

Cal State Monterey Bay draws nearly all its students from California, reflecting its strong regional reputation for marine science and environmental programs. More than half the student body is Hispanic, making it a Hispanic-serving institution that mirrors the Central Coast's demographics. Women outnumber men , likely drawn to the school's environmental focus and social justice mission. The high Pell Grant rate of 43% shows the university serves many first-generation and lower-income students. This creates a campus community deeply connected to local environmental issues and social change.

Men: 40.5%
Women: 59.5%
White: 26.8%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 53.9%
Asian: 6.1%
In-State Students: 97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.0%

Location

Cal State Monterey Bay sits in Seaside, California, about 120 miles south of San Francisco and two hours from Silicon Valley. The campus occupies a former military base just inland from Monterey Bay, putting students minutes from world-well-known marine research facilities and coastal recreation. With 97.16% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from California's Central Coast region. The area blends small-town charm with proximity to tourist destinations like Carmel and Pebble Beach. Students can access both beach activities and outdoor recreation in nearby mountains and forests. The setting supports the university's strong environmental focus, with the Pacific Ocean serving as a natural laboratory. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State Monterey Bay with similar schools in the region.

Address: Seaside, California 93955-8001

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,247
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,786
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $135/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,750

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Cal State Monterey Bay accepts 92.39% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The university prioritizes providing educational opportunities to a diverse student body, with 53.86% of students being Hispanic and 97.16% coming from in-state.

How much does California State University-Monterey Bay cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,487 after financial aid. With 42.99% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university serves many first-generation and lower-income students who benefit from California's robust state financial aid programs.

What is California State University-Monterey Bay known for academically?

The university is well-known for its marine science programs and environmental sustainability focus, built on a former military base campus. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on experience studying coastal ecosystems and environmental issues unique to the Monterey Bay region.

What are the graduation rates at California State University-Monterey Bay?

The university has a 63.20% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $59,247 ten years after graduation. With a 92.8% employment rate, the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps students transition successfully into the workforce.

Where is California State University-Monterey Bay located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Seaside, California, in a midsize suburban setting near the famous Monterey Peninsula. With housing capacity for 3,376 students out of 5,811 total enrollment, the Otters compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 12 varsity sports.

How diverse is the student body at California State University-Monterey Bay?

Women make up 59.47% of the student body, while men represent 40.53%. The university serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution with 53.86% Hispanic students, reflecting California's demographic trends and the CSU system's commitment to educational equity.