Seaside, California · ★ — / 5 Overall

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Public · 4-year · Master's
California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB or Cal State Monterey Bay) is a public university located in Monterey County, California, United States. The main campus is situated on the site of the former military base Fort Ord, spanning the cities of Seaside and Marina, approximately one mile inland from Monterey Bay along the Central Coast of California. CSUMB also maintains locations in the cities of Monterey and Salinas. Founded in 1994, CSUMB is part of the California State University system and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Master's Universities
Ranked #9 in Master's Universities (2025). Source: Washington Monthly ↗
Value rank
Ranked #48 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck (2025). Source: WM Best Value ↗
National rank
Ranked #266 in Forbes Top Colleges (2026). Source: Forbes ↗
Unfiltered student reviews about the real
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100 Campus Center, Seaside, California, 93955-8001
Visit University SiteTotal: 6,742
Undergrad: 5,909
Undergrad full-time: 5,204
Graduate: 833
Part-time: 958
In-state
Tuition: $7,437
Total cost on campus: $28,719
Out-of-state
Tuition: $19,317
Total cost on campus: $40,599
Room & board: $16,413
Books & supplies: $864
Receive aid: 79%
Avg grant aid: $10,480
Pell grant recipients: 42%
Rent: $1,571 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $6.50
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $6.37 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $8.44
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.