At $14,487/yr net price, California State University-Monterey Bay graduates earn $59,247/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,247/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,487 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,247/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,247/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,654/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,487/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,868/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,745/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,874/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,389 | $41,069 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $5,500 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $71,957 | $14,540 |
| Education, General. | Master | $63,005 | $16,750 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $16,022 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,049 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $55,964 | $25,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $13,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $40,368 | $13,902 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $36,533 | $13,750 |
The Risk Factor
63.2% of students at California State University-Monterey Bay graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cal State Monterey Bay offers solid financial returns at a reasonable price, with most graduates earning enough to justify their investment. The $14,487 annual net price keeps debt manageable, and median earnings of $59,247 provide a strong payback timeline.
Business Administration graduates earn nearly $80,000 annually but carry significantly higher debt loads at $41,069, creating a mixed financial picture for this popular major. Nursing stands out as the clear winner with $76,460 earnings and just $5,500 in typical debt. Computer Science delivers decent returns at $61,516, though not spectacular compared to tech programs elsewhere.
Education majors face the typical challenge of lower earning potential relative to debt, with general education graduates earning $63,005 while carrying $16,750 in loans. The 63% graduation rate means over a third of students leave without completing their degree, losing their investment entirely.
You should consider CSUMB if you plan to work in the Monterey Bay area, where the cost of living partially offsets the moderate salary levels. The school works well for nursing students who can leverage the strong local healthcare market. Business majors need to carefully evaluate whether the higher debt load makes sense for their career goals.
Avoid this school if you need prestige for competitive fields or if you can access higher-earning programs elsewhere for similar costs. The 79% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or find better fits elsewhere. Financial aid reaches less than half of students, so middle-income families may find limited assistance beyond federal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Monterey Bay worth the cost?
CSU-Monterey Bay offers decent value with a low net price of $14,487 per year and median debt of just $12,750. However, the 10-year median earnings of $59,247 are below average for college graduates, and the 63% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at California State University-Monterey Bay?
Business administration leads with $79,389 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $76,460. Computer science graduates earn $61,516, which is lower than the national average for tech programs.
How much debt do California State University-Monterey Bay graduates have?
The median debt is $12,750, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The affordable net price of $14,487 per year helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
Does California State University-Monterey Bay have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major, with business and nursing graduates earning well above the school's median. The 92% acceptance rate and moderate graduation rate suggest academic standards that may not impress all employers.