California State University-Monterey Bay

California State University-Monterey Bay admits 94.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Cal State Monterey Bay in the Open Access category, reflecting the university's commitment to broad educational opportunity.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Cal State Monterey Bay is more accessible than typical public institutions, with a 10.3 percentage point higher acceptance rate. This open access approach aligns with the California State University system's mission to serve diverse student populations and provide educational opportunity regardless of competitive academic credentials.

For prospective students, this admission rate means that meeting basic eligibility requirements typically results in acceptance. Students should focus on demonstrating academic preparation and alignment with program requirements rather than competitive differentiation against other applicants.

The high acceptance rate enables Cal State Monterey Bay to serve as an accessible option for students seeking quality public higher education, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or non-traditional educational pathways. This selectivity level supports building college lists that include both reach and match options, with Cal State Monterey Bay serving as a reliable accessible choice for California residents and qualified out-of-state students.

California State University-Monterey Bay's published cost of attendance reaches $26,017 annually, including $19,317 in out-of-state tuition, $16,413 for room and board, and $864 for books and supplies. California residents pay significantly less with in-state tuition of $7,437.

However, the average student pays just $14,487 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,530 from the sticker price. This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $14,093, indicating costs $394 higher than similar public institutions.

The university's net price structure demonstrates strong commitment to affordability, particularly for lower-income students. Federal financial aid data shows that most students receive substantial assistance, with the average aid package covering nearly half of total costs.

The difference between published costs and actual net price highlights the importance of applying for financial aid rather than making decisions based on sticker prices alone. Students should focus on net price calculations specific to their family income level rather than the full cost of attendance when evaluating affordability.

Cal State Monterey Bay graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $48,648 six years after enrollment to $55,080 at eight years and $59,247 at ten years, representing 21.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 1,828 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $12,341 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Cal State Monterey Bay in the 88.4th percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating well above average value-added performance.

This earnings advantage reflects the university's effectiveness in supporting student success across diverse backgrounds. Low-income graduates earn $47,500, indicating solid outcomes for students from lower-income families.

The earnings trajectory shows consistent improvement over time, with graduates continuing to see income growth as they advance in their careers. Approximately 26.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Cal State Monterey Bay offers 19 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome tracking. Human Services, General stands out with a #2 national ranking and #2 state ranking, graduating 143 students with median earnings of $52,771 and an exceptional value score of 93.8.

Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #5 nationally and #5 in California, producing 68 graduates with outstanding median earnings of $122,142. General Studies ranks #26 nationally and #10 in California, serving as the university's largest program with 282 graduates and median earnings of $46,794.

Business Administration and Management represents another flagship program, ranking #84 nationally and #19 in California with 262 graduates earning $61,638. Psychology, General ranks #71 nationally and #15 in California, graduating 242 students with median earnings of $45,847, reflecting the program's popularity and solid career outcomes.