California State University--Monterey Bay

School Overview

California State University--Monterey Bay, based in Seaside, CA, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. It holds the #11 position in Regional Universities West (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #7 in Top Public Schools. The school serves approximately 6,910 undergraduate students. Admissions are welcoming to a broad range of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 97%. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.3. With a 1 day, 2:01:00 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 18% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at California State University--Monterey Bay include Psychology (14%), Liberal Arts (13%), and Business and Management (12%). Those who major in Psychology can expect a median salary of $54,215. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $11,649. California State University--Monterey Bay achieves a four-year graduation rate of 39%. The application deadline is Dec. 16. California State University--Monterey Bay is committed to academic excellence and preparing students for success in their chosen fields through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.