About CSUMB

University Rankings

When compared to other colleges, California State University, Monterey Bay not only shines but continues to improve.

U.S. News and World Report 

CSU Monterey Bay rose higher in three major categories in the latest U.S. News and World Report college rankings, performing better than almost any other university in 15 western states in positioning disadvantaged students for promising futures.

Badge for the U.S News and World Report Ranking for Regional University

No. 6

Among public colleges in the West, CSUMB ranked No. 6 based on criteria such as graduation rate, instructor/student ratio and affordability.

Badge for the U.S News and World Report Ranking for Social Mobility

No. 2

The 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings rate CSU Monterey Bay as No. 2 in the western region for social mobility, a metric that measures how well a school puts low-income students on a path to success.

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Badge for the U.S News and World Report Ranking for Regional University-West

No. 14

Compared to all colleges and universities in the 15 western states, CSUMB was rated 14, ahead of Cal State Chico and Sacramento State.

The Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S.

Wall Street Journal released its annual Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings and listed CSU Monterey Bay 119th out of the top 400 schools in the country.

Forbes America’s Top Colleges 2023

Forbes said it evaluated 500 of “the finest U.S. colleges.” It ranked CSUMB at No. 17 among medium-sized schools on that list and 131st overall. 

Money Magazine

Money magazine has given CSU Monterey a 4.5-star rating (out of 5) in its most recent survey of Best Colleges in America. CSUMB was noted “for being both affordable and accessible” in the report.