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.
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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'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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Cal State Monterey Bay graduates maintain exceptionally low debt levels that support long-term financial health. Median student debt reaches just $12,750, significantly below the peer median of $21,105, representing $8,355 less borrowing than similar institutions.
Debt spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $18,000 at the 75th percentile, with most graduates borrowing moderate amounts. The university ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for low debt levels, indicating debt performance well above average compared to all four-year institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 falls within manageable ranges, meaning typical graduates can handle debt payments without financial strain. Parent PLUS loans average $16,009 with monthly payments of $211, providing context for families considering additional borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Cal State Monterey Bay delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $12,341 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking in the 88.4th percentile nationally and demonstrating well above average value-added performance.
Median earnings of $59,247 exceed the peer median of $50,116 by $9,131, indicating 18.2% higher earnings than similar institutions. The debt advantage of $8,355 below peer levels, combined with superior earnings, creates particularly favorable investment conditions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates manageable debt levels relative to income capacity. Students benefit from both lower borrowing requirements and higher earning potential, maximizing the financial return on their educational investment.
Cal State Monterey Bay's financial aid approach reflects its commitment to serving diverse and lower-income student populations. With 43.0% of students receiving Pell grants, the university enrolls nearly twice the national average of Pell-eligible students at four-year institutions.
The $11,530 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional and federal support for student affordability. The progressive net price structure, ranging from $9,654 for lowest-income families to $23,874 for highest-income families, indicates targeted aid allocation that prioritizes need-based assistance.
This aid distribution aligns with the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where financial accessibility enables strong economic outcomes for underrepresented students. The financial aid profile supports the institution's mission to provide educational opportunity regardless of family economic background, creating pathways for first-generation and low-income students to access quality higher education.
