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30-to-Finish

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Earn 30 Units Each Year to Graduate in Four Years

At Cal State Monterey Bay, your goals are within reach — and we’re here to help you get there on time. The 30-to-Finish initiative is designed to support you in completing your degree in four years by planning for 30 units each year, typically 15 in fall and 15 in spring.

Graduating on time can save you money, open doors to career opportunities sooner, and help you stay focused on what matters most. That’s why we’ve created flexible pathways that make steady progress possible.

With a five-term academic calendar, expanded summer options, and personalized advising, you can build a schedule that works for your life — whether you’re balancing classes with work, family or campus involvement.

You bring the ambition. We’ll help you map the path, stay on track and move confidently toward graduation.

Learn Year-Round with a Flexible Five-Term Calendar

Our five-term academic calendar — fall, winter, spring, and two summer terms — gives you more ways to plan your schedule and stay on track.

Fall term is the start of the academic year and a time to build momentum. Most students take about 15 units to stay on track for four-year graduation.

You’ll explore new subjects, connect with faculty and peers, and get involved in campus life. With so many opportunities, planning your schedule thoughtfully is key — and additional terms throughout the year help you stay balanced.

Winter term offers a focused, accelerated learning experience during a shorter, five-week session.

Many students take one or two courses to catch up, get ahead, or lighten their spring course load — all while continuing progress toward their degree.

Spring term is your opportunity to build on fall success and complete another 15 units toward your degree.

If a full 15-unit schedule isn’t right for you, you can use winter or summer terms to stay on track while maintaining balance during the semester.

  • Summer Term 1 (June)
  • Summer Term 2 (July)

Summer at Cal State Monterey Bay offers flexible, accelerated options to help you reach your goals faster.

  • Take one or two courses per session in a focused format
  • Choose from in-person, hybrid and fully online classes
  • Earn up to 12 units across both summer terms

Summer is also a great time to gain hands-on experience through internships, research, or study abroad programs.

Many students qualify for financial aid or grants that can cover part or all of their summer coursework, making it easier to stay on track with 30-to-Finish.

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Stay on Track and Graduate on Time

Earning 30 units each year is more manageable when you have options. At Cal State Monterey Bay, you can spread your coursework across fall, winter, spring, and summer terms to build a schedule that fits your life.

With flexible pathways, personalized planning, and financial support, 30-to-Finish helps you make steady progress and move confidently toward graduation — on your timeline and with your goals in mind.

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Summer Progress Toward Graduation

Summer terms are a great way to keep moving toward your degree and stay on track for graduation.

Taking one or two courses over the summer can help you catch up, get ahead, or balance your workload during the academic year. With flexible, accelerated sessions, you can focus on fewer classes at a time while continuing to make meaningful progress.

Talk with your academic advisor to build a summer plan that supports your goals and keeps you on track to graduate on time.

Support for Every Step to Graduation

Every student starts with a My Learning Plan — your personalized roadmap to graduation.

With support from academic advisors and the 30-to-Finish program, you’ll have clear guidance to help you stay on track.

Get started:

Year-round learning can be affordable. More than 60% of Cal State Monterey Bay students receive grants or scholarships during the academic year, and many also qualify for summer financial aid.

You may be eligible for support with as few as 6 units, and some students receive grants that cover part or all of summer tuition.

Explore your options: