California State University-Monterey Bay
Campus Identity
California State University-Monterey Bay is a mid-size public university in Seaside, CA. Approximately 6,819 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 97% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
California State University-Monterey Bay is a mid-size public university in Seaside, CA. Approximately 6,819 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 97% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
California State University-Monterey Bay is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D2 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 7 miles from Monterey Beach, CA and 137 miles from DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc..
Athletics
NCAA D2
California Collegiate Athletic Association
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
7 miles
Monterey Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
56°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California State University-Monterey Bay students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., 137 miles away. All are within 147 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at California State University-Monterey Bay are 7 miles from Monterey Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Monterey Beach, CA
Ocean access within 6.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Seaside, CA
Seaside has a mild climate, with winters averaging 52°F in Dec and summers peaking around 63°F in Aug.
Station: MONTEREY PENINSUL Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
California State University-Monterey Bay in CA earns a composite safety score of 43/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,779 | $20,379 |
| Fees | $1,476 | $1,476 |
| Room & Board | $14,593 | $14,593 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,848 | $36,448 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
44 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is California State University-Monterey Bay located?
California State University-Monterey Bay is located in Seaside, CA. The main campus address is 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%, making it accessible. Out of 14,933 applicants, 14,545 were admitted in the most recent year. 6,819 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend California State University-Monterey Bay?
For the 2024-25 academic year, California State University-Monterey Bay charges $7,779/year for in-state students and $20,379/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($14,593/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $19,098/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,663/year — what students actually pay. Use California State University-Monterey Bay's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for California State University-Monterey Bay?
The undergraduate application fee at California State University-Monterey Bay is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does California State University-Monterey Bay have college sports?
Yes — California State University-Monterey Bay competes at the NCAA D2 level in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is California State University-Monterey Bay the right fit for me?
Whether California State University-Monterey Bay is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (97% admit rate), avg net price ($13,663/year after aid), campus culture in Seaside, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh California State University-Monterey Bay against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with California State University-Monterey Bay directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Seaside, CA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- California Collegiate Athletic Association
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 56°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 43/100
- Nearest Airport
- Monterey, CA (MRY) · 5 mialso SNS (11 mi), SJC (50 mi)
Location
Seaside, CA