Paying for Graduate School
Information about tuition, fees and financial aid for graduate programs at Cal State Monterey Bay.
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Earning a master’s degree or other advanced credential is an investment in yourself and your future. Cal State Monterey Bay offers a high-quality education and one of the best values in the CSU system.
Your tuition, fees and overall cost of attendance will vary based on your program of study.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Students pursuing graduate education at Cal State Monterey Bay may be eligible for certain institutional, state, federal and private financial aid programs, including:
- Federal student loans
- Teaching associate positions
- Research assistant positions
- Student employment
- Veteran’s benefits
- Private/external scholarships
Additionally, employer tuition assistance may be available to some students.
Visit our Financial Aid website to explore all of your options.
CSU-wide Scholarships for Graduate Students
California State University offers a variety of scholarships for graduate students across the CSU system. Here are a few that may be of interest to those studying at CSUMB:
- CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement - open to graduate students in all disciplines who demonstrate superior academic performance
- Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship - open to graduate students studying business, economics or other areas who wish to pursue a career in public service or nonprofits
- Wilson C. Riles Education Scholarship - geared toward students enrolled in a teacher credential program at CSU
- Robert D. & Dorothy W. Talty Endowed Scholarship - open to graduate students studying scientific disciplines, including biology (making it a fit for Environmental Science or Marine Science M.S. students)
Check the individual scholarship listings for full details, including current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Tuition Reduction for Western States and Select Pacific Islands
Out-of-state students may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at CSUMB. Several of our degree options are part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). WRGP is a tuition-reciprocity arrangement coordinated through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) that enables students from the following states or regions to enroll at CSUMB and pay the resident tuition rate, instead of the nonresident rate that an out-of-state student would normally pay.
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Guam
The following degrees are currently offering the WRGP tuition reduction.
- Education (MA)
- Environmental Science (MS)
- Instructional Science & Technology (MS)
- Marine Science (MS)
- School Psychology (EdS)
- Social Work (MSW)
Download the Western-Regional-Graduate-Program-Contract and complete the application form, sign it, and attach it in an email to graduateadmissions@csumb.edu when you apply for admission.
You can find out more information on the Admissions page here.
GRADUATE STUDENT TUITION WAIVERS
CSUMB has a limited number of Graduate Tuition Fee Waivers to offer each semester. When available, waivers may be awarded to graduate students who are currently enrolled and employed as Graduate Research Assistants (Employee Class Code 2355) or Teaching Associates (Employee Class Codes 2353, 2354) in state supported graduate programs at CSUMB. The Graduate Tuition Fee Waiver will waive the Tuition Fee per eligible term. Students are responsible for paying any additional campus fees accrued in addition to their Tuition Fee.
This form must be submitted by you or your program coordinator to the Office of Graduate Studies & Research by May 1st for Fall semester and December 1st for Spring semester. Submit requests for Fall and Spring forms separately. If you are taking fewer than 8 units, append an explanation. Students must continue to serve in their assistantship each term they receive the waiver.
QUALIFICATION
Are you a full-time graduate student and currently in good standing?
Have you been offered a position as a Teaching Associate/Assistant or Research Assistant in the semester you are requesting a waiver?
Students in the following self-support graduate programs are not eligible: Business Administration, Speech-Language Pathology.
Apply for Financial Aid
The first step in determining eligibility is completing the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the CA Dream Act Application.
Questions About Financial Aid?
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to answer questions about the FAFSA, graduate financial aid and other funding options.
Questions? Contact the Office of Graduate Studies
gradstudies@csumb.edu