California State University-Monterey Bay
CSUMB
Seaside, California 93955-8001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for psychology — excellent value
California State University-Monterey Bay is a public institution in Seaside with particular strength in psychology and business.
A mid-sized campus of 5.8K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
63% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $59,247 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,487.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Otters
History & Fun Facts
- •History CSUMB was founded in 1994 with a student enrollment of 654 students.
- •As of the fall 2020 semester, the university had 6,276 undergraduate students, 595 graduate students and 186 full-time faculty members.
- •The president is Vanya Quiñones, who was appointed in August 2022.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
69.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,000
Programs (39)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
79%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
42
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + suburban adjustment