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B-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B
  2. Value
    B+
  3. Diversity
    A-
  4. Campus
    C+
  5. Athletics
    B-
  6. Party Scene
    C+
  7. Professors
    B-
  8. Location
    C+
  9. Dorms
    C+
  10. Campus Food
    B-
  11. Student Life
    C-
  12. Safety
    C+
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California State University - Monterey Bay is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division II (without football)
Athletic Conference
California Collegiate Athletic Association
Address
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955
Website
csumb.edu
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California State University - Monterey Bay Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
35%
Application Deadline
November 30
SAT Range
860-1080
ACT Range
18-23
Application Fee
$55
SAT/ACT
Recommended
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No
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Cost

Net Price
$11,390/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $6,673/ year
  • $30-48k
    $8,358/ year
  • $49-75k
    $11,691/ year
  • $76-110k
    $17,257/ year
  • $110k+
    $18,993/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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  • 1% Cash Back + affordable rates starting at 3.82% APR w/auto debit discount
  • No application, origination or disbursement fees

Academics

Professors
B-
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
23:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
77%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.88 responses
45%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.89 responses
53%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.88 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Psychology
    244 Graduates
  • Business Administration and Management
    235 Graduates
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    235 Graduates
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
    188 Graduates
  • Human Services
    117 Graduates
  • Biology
    108 Graduates
  • Social Sciences
    74 Graduates
  • Computer Science
    71 Graduates
  • Marine Science
    62 Graduates
  • Computer and Information Sciences
    50 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
6,226Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
17%
Pell Grant
49%
Varsity Athletes
4%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 65 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    28%
  • Friendly, independent and studious
    25%
  • Friendly and independent
    23%
  • Independent
    12%
  • Everyone I talk to wants to transfer
    6%
  • Friendly and community based
    5%
  • Stressed
    2%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
47%
of students say Greek life is pretty low-key and has little effect on the social scene.116 responses
Poll
62%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.140 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 59 responses
Report
  • Opportunities are endless
    29%
  • School is the cheapest out of all CSUs
    24%
  • Perfect for my situation and location.
    22%
  • Sustainability and environmentally friendly
    20%
  • Home away from home
    2%
  • Location, location, location
    2%
  • Only school that offers my program
    2%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$42,200/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
55%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
89%
National
83%
65%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.57 responses
Colleges like California State University - Monterey Bay
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California State University - Monterey Bay Reviews

1,494 reviews
All Categories
I am transferring there in the Spring, and so far the process has been easy! I was a bit worried because I was doing the process of applying on my own, but their website had step-by-step instructions which which were very helpful. The school has also kept me updated by sending me important deadlines and information via email. I have visited the campus a few times. Although, the location is beautiful and has history the actual campus is a bit dual. There are a few new buildings and parking lots, but I think the school needs improvement.
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While being in the process of majoring in psychology at CSUMB, I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the most educated and supportive psychology professors. Most of them have earned PhDs and their class lectures demonstrate that they know what they are talking about. If I would have to give a constructive criticism, it would be for the school's counselors to offer more information about scholarship opportunities. I have struggled to find scholarships that fit with me and when I have asked my counselor for further assistance she has simply told me to search for scholarships on the CSUMB website. I wish that the non-teaching staff members at CSUMB could be more supportive while understanding that ending up with high debts post graduation is remarkably essential for us students to intend to prevent.
My first year college experience has been great here at Monterey Bay. The area I love, it is so beautiful, the weather is wonderful; not too hot nor too cold perfect beach weather. The campus is walking distance from the beach! There is a lot of student involvement here on campus and everyone is so nice. I love it here at CSU Monterey Bay.