Otter Promise

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to expanding access and affordability to a high quality CSUMB education. The Otter Promise is intended to support students in their pursuit of a Cal State Monterey Bay bachelor’s degree by ensuring that tuition and mandatory campus fees are fully covered for eligible students.

The Otter Promise, as described by Cal State Monterey Bay, applies to eligible new incoming students. The total number of students who receive the Otter Promise will depend on the number of new incoming students per cohort and the availability of financial resources. The Otter Promise ensures that if you meet the eligibility requirements and complete all required steps (including filing for financial aid), Cal State Monterey Bay will cover your tuition and mandatory campus fees. 

New incoming students who meet these requirements:

• Be a California resident or qualify for in-state tuition
• Be admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay
• Complete the FAFSA or CADAA by the California priority deadline
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less
• FAFSA filers must be Pell Grant-eligible
• Enroll full time at CSUMB

To remain eligible, students must:

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Enroll full-time (12 or more units per semester)
• Renew the financial aid application each year by the California priority deadline

The Otter Promise applies to new incoming students who have been admitted for Fall 2026 and meet the eligibility criteria. Students who do not meet the Otter Promise criteria should still complete the FAFSA or CADAA and connect with the financial aid office. Students often receive financial aid and scholarships that significantly reduce overall costs. Approximately 89% of Cal State Monterey Bay students receive some form of financial aid.

The form is currently closed. The opening date for Fall 2027 still needs to be determined. When it opens, submit your Otter Promise confirmation form by the priority deadline. Once we receive your form, we will assess your eligibility based on your admissions and financial aid records. To qualify, you must complete the following steps:

1. Apply to Cal State Monterey Bay and get admitted
2. Submit your Otter Promise confirmation form by the priority deadline
3. By the FAFSA deadline, complete the FAFSA or CADAA and list Cal State Monterey Bay
   • Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less
   • FAFSA filers must be Pell Grant-eligible
   • Cal State Monterey Bay’s FAFSA school code is 032603
4. Confirm your enrollment

Tuition and mandatory campus fees. It does not cover other educational costs such as housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. However, these costs may be covered by other forms of financial aid.

No renewal application is required. However, students must meet the following eligibility requirements each year:

• Remain full-time (12+ units per semester
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  
• Renew the FAFSA or CADAA annually by the California priority deadline

Yes. Cal State Monterey Bay encourages students to apply for aid because financial support is broader than any single program. Cal State Monterey Bay notes:

• A mix of need- and merit-based financial aid can offset costs
• Most admitted Cal State Monterey Bay students receive some form of financial aid (Cal State Monterey Bay cites 89%)
• Aid options can include grants, scholarships, and loans. Students may also qualify for Federal Work Study (FWS) Grants. While the student can accept this grant along with the Otter Promise, the institution does not count FWS toward the Otter Promise.

Often, yes. Many Cal State Monterey Bay students receive multiple forms of aid. In addition to the Otter Promise, eligible students may also receive other aid to help cover broader costs of attendance.

The Otter Promise is not a standalone “extra scholarship.” Instead, it is a promise that tuition and mandatory campus fees will be covered by various forms of aid for students who qualify, including federal, state and institutional aid, as well as, external scholarships. Practically, that means your financial aid offer may include multiple components (for example: grants, scholarships, and institutional aid), and the overall package is constructed so that tuition and mandatory campus fees are fully covered for eligible students.

If you receive scholarships outside of the institution, you should notify the financial aid office so Cal State Monterey Bay can include them in your financial aid package and determine if there is any impact on other aid. Financial aid is coordinated under federal and state rules, and additional resources can change how your overall financial aid is packaged. The best guidance when in doubt is to connect directly with the Financial Aid Office to understand how external resources will be reflected in your award.

No. To remain eligible for the Otter Promise, Cal State Monterey Bay states that students must be full-time, taking 12 or more units per semester while maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

No, the Otter Promise does not cover summer; however, students may receive financial aid to support summer classes.

No. The Otter Promise requires the completion of either the FAFSA or the CADAA.

Cal State Monterey Bay describes the Otter Promise not as a scholarship but as a packaged award in which tuition and fees are covered through various forms of aid. Cal State Monterey Bay also describes affordability as typically supported through a combination of aid types, including grants, aid, loans and scholarships.

Your SAI is listed on your FAFSA or CADAA Submission Summary.

The Otter Promise  is dependent on state and federal student aid funding levels to continue at or near the levels offered in 2025. Cal State Monterey Bay will not guarantee students pay no tuition or mandatory campus fees if government financial aid programs are significantly reduced or eliminated.