About California State University-Monterey Bay

Founded in 1994, California State University-Monterey Bay. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 6,758 full time undergraduate students, and 516 full time graduate students.

The California State University-Monterey Bay Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 23:1. There are 225 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at California State University-Monterey Bay include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate35%
Application Deadline
Application Fee55
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at CSUMB are considered More Selective, with ,19% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 5 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

85% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 45% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at California State University-Monterey Bay.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
14%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
42%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
58%
“I feel extremely safe”
78%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
23%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
27%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
9%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
33%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
62%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
36%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
31%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
14%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
42%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
58%
“I feel extremely safe”
78%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
23%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
27%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
9%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
33%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
62%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
36%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
31%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
14%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
42%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
58%
“I feel extremely safe”
78%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
23%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
27%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
9%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
33%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
62%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
36%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
31%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    95 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    83 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    100 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    103 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    104 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    103 Students rated school activities 3.5 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    103 Students rated local services 3.5 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    104 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

California State University-Monterey Bay REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of California State University-Monterey Bay?

45 Students rated California State University-Monterey Bay

Hillary - 06/01/2024

The school has a lot of potential since it's the youngest out of all the CSU's in California., but they refuse to listen to student advice to make this school better. I've only spent one year here at this school, and their first impression is always open to upcoming students, but the moment they get here it's chaos. Student Housing is horrible to deal with and the opportunities they have are hard to access. They under-pay their student workers and spend lots of money on useless things when they can use that money to make more housing, add more classrooms, and more PARKING!

Gabrielle - 02/12/2024

Small School, safe. Beautiful Campus, not a big party school. Be a nature lover.

Karen - 06/30/2020

After being in this college for 2 years now, I did realize some key parts that stand out about this school but because I focus more on my academics than social events or activities, I haven't had much time to explore more of the school. As a student, I have a hard time engaging with people I may not know or large groups of people and there isn't much diversity as I hoped in this school.

Eva - 05/25/2020

I went there for one semester, really excited to go and be part of something new since I am from Southern California. I was so disappointed with the school I came back after the fall semester. The junior housing was a nightmare, there were barely any healthy options for food that actually tasted alright, and it was extremely hard to get to know people since there weren’t a lot of extracurricular events.

California State University-Monterey Bay FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at California State University-Monterey Bay?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for California State University-Monterey Bay is 35%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and give my senior-self advice about the transition into college, there are a few things I would warn myself about. First of all, I would tell myself to get into the habit of doing scholarships, because the more I do, the more likely I would be to win one and recieve some help in the financial area. I would also tell myself that even though college life might get hard sometimes with work, classes, etc, that I shouldn't give up, and that I need to continue to work hard so I don't get behind. Lastly, I would tell myself that I need to think seriously about what I want to do in life and, as soon as possible, go talk to an advisor to make my graduation plan. The sooner the better so that I can make a plan to graduate on time. Other than that, I would tell myself not too worry, that college shouldn't be too bad as long as I stay focused.

    Read all 84 answers
  3. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about my school would be the campus layout. The campus is spread out but it is still small. On the maps for tours, the buldings are supposed to be where they are just like how they are seen on the map. That is one thing that I liked about the campus the most.

    Read all 22 answers
  4. Describe the students at your school.

    The most layed back but hard-working people I've ever met.

    Read all 22 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I think that the worse thing is that there is not football team on this campus.

    Read all 20 answers
  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    CSUMB is a small school that has a stong focus on the students and their sucess and is sometimes mistaken for a vocational school with a majority of the students entering the workforce after graduations and not attending a masters or PhD program..

    Read all 19 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The small classrooms and student average in the classrooms is a positive that i finf unique.

    Read all 15 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    When bragging about my school I always say how much I love my teachers. The curriculum, content and passion that goes into each lesson is extraordinary. Aside from the interdisciplinary approach to college level course work, I really appreciate the small class size. and diveristy. The area that the school is located is so beautiful and the beach is only 5 minutes from my campus. Still, I think one of the greatest parts about my school is the malable majors, felxibility and freedom to choose your path. CSUMB has caring advisors who listen and encourage you along the way.

    Read all 14 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is fun and carefree, but also concerned about their academic career.

    Read all 13 answers
  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The people who shouldnt attend CSUMB are those who arent accepting to alternative lifestyles. There is a large art based population and a large group of those who enjoy nature; Monterey Bay is the perfect place for both of these "groups". One who is used to the "big city" and hustle and bustle of a metropolitan area wouldnt nejoy the slow and natural pace of this town.

    Read all 13 answers
  11. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    There is too much bureaucracy and standards are not consistent with many other CSUs.

    Read all 11 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    CSU Monterey Bay is best known for its small class sizes which benefits students by having more one on one time with each student in the class room. CSUMB also is known for having their students become involved in the community and gain different service learning skill.

    Read all 9 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about CSUMB is that finding tutors is a hassle. yes we have our fair share of tutors at a center called ASAP tutoring but when you get there all of the tutors are already helping students so you sit down and wait for a tutor to get free. after you wait for about 10 minutes you see the tutor walk by so you call him over and he says that the person sitting behind me was waiting longer. after 30 minutes of waiting you decide to leave very discouraged

    Read all 6 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best thing about CSUMB is the location. It is located on old fort ord an old military base with amazing views of the ocean. If you love the outdoors you will love monterey. When I tell people I go to school at CSUMB their first reaction usually is how gorgeous monterey is. The campus is relatively small but seems to be expanding and getting bigger each year. Most of the time I hang out in the new otter center or the dorm buildings or at the BEACH on a nice day! Monterey is a college/military town. The administration at CSUMB has been great to me so far. I have had amazing teachers who are willing to put in extra time to watch you sussed. Since CSUMB is walking distance from the beach there are always lots of bonfires!! Overall CSUMB is a chill beach school with students who work hard and play harder!

    Read all 5 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Class are relatively small at csumb. Professors tend to know there students by name. My favorite class at CSUMB is the web/ graphic design course. Class participation is not only common but encouraged. It is a very hands on learning process at csumb. Who you hang out will usually determines if you are exposed to intellectual conversations. The education at csumb is geared towards getting a job.

    Read all 4 answers
  16. Tell us about your professors.

    All of my professors were great except for one. Definitely check out ratemyprofessor.com before you get your classes and listen to the reviews! I didn't and I got the worst teacher. The rest of them were great though. They were always helpful and actually new my name. I could contact them at any time and they were willing to stay after class to help me.

    Read all 3 answers
  17. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    In college you will quickly learn people tend not to stereotype like in high school!

    Read all 3 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    1. Some of the stereotypes at CSU Monterey Bay is that the majority of everyone is a stoner, hippy, or everyone is a Biology major. While there are a lot of free spirits this rumor is untrue about everyone because a stoner or a hippy. There is however a large amount of Biology majors because we are so close to the ocean and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

    Read all 3 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Some of the stereotypes at CSU Monterey Bay is that the majority of everyone is a stoner, hippy, or everyone is a Biology major. While there are a lot of free spirits this rumor is untrue about everyone because a stoner or a hippy. There is however a large amount of Biology majors because we are so close to the ocean and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

    Read all 2 answers
  20. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek life is popular on campus but does not dominate the school. Students in dorms tend to alway leave the door open. I became very close with my hall the first year of college. Guest speakers are very popular we have been fortunate to have amazing people come talk at csumb for example Clint Eastwood has come numerous times to talk to film majors. Many people start to have serious relationships in college. I meet my closest friend and my currents boyfriend at one of the many famous csumb bonfires. Thursday and Saturday nights are party nights! There are also many things to do off campus such as go shopping, visit cannery row, surf, got to the beach, visit carmel, got hiking at big sur, visit the aquarium (once a month it is free for csumb students) and so much more!

    Read all 2 answers
  21. Describe your school to someone who's never heard of it.

    CSUMB is very spread out and has old buildings everywhere. It has a very modern look to it. It is right by the beach and a lot of the time it is very foggy. When it is sunny though it is so pretty that one day of sun is worth a week of fog.

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

62%

female

38%

male

6,758

Total Undergrad Enrollment

516

Total Grad Students

4%

Out-Of-State

94%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

35

Student Organizations

3

Fraternities

3

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

51%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
45%
% White or Caucasian
27%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

80% of students attending California State University-Monterey Bay receive some sort of financial aid. 49% were awarded federal grants. While 51% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$17,539

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,339

Books and Supplies

$11,930

Room and Board

30,808

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$6,673
$30 - $48K
$8,358
$48 - $75K
$11,691
$75 - $110K
$17,257
$110K & UP
$18,993

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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