California State University-Monterey Bay prices access to a four-year degree at levels that reflect its public mission. Low-income families pay approximately $9,970 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $12,440, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $22,818.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,987 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,379 |
| Room and Board | $17,234 |
| Books and Supplies | $899 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,324 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,663 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,970 |
| $30–48k | $9,981 |
| $48–75k | $12,440 |
| $75–110k | $16,281 |
| $110k+ | $22,818 |
California State University-Monterey Bay prices access to a four-year degree at levels that reflect its public mission. Low-income families pay approximately $9,970 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $12,440, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $22,818. Azimuth ranks California State University-Monterey Bay #96 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The gap between sticker price and what families actually pay reflects the university's participation in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, which meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs for students who qualify for need-based support. Need-based aid plays a central role in how California State University-Monterey Bay prices access across income levels. As a California State University campus, students may draw on Cal Grants, federal Pell Grants, and institutional scholarships, with the combination often closing a substantial portion of the gap between the published cost of attendance of $26,987 and actual family cost. Middle-income families in particular benefit from the layered aid structure, which keeps net prices more predictable than at many private institutions. Families should review their specific aid eligibility carefully, as individual packages vary within each income band. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $12,750, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $16,836; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $62,324, median federal debt of $12,750 projects to a monthly payment of about $144 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California State University-Monterey Bay earn median 4-year earnings of $62,324, placing California State University-Monterey Bay in the 57.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $15,435 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 92.8 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks California State University-Monterey Bay #485 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 265 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $72,558, ranked #85 nationally in its major. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities reports 242 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $59,017, ranked #24 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 231 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,074, ranked #93 nationally in its major. Computer Science reports 191 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $101,787, ranked #80 nationally in its major.
