Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Attending Cal State Monterey Bay is more affordable than you might think. And, ranked #1 for social mobility in the West by U.S. News & World Report, it’s an education with lasting value.
As you explore the figures listed on this page, it’s important to consider that the published estimated cost of attendance is not what most students pay. The majority of CSUMB students receive some form of financial aid, including need-based grants and scholarships.
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees - 2025-2026 Academic Year
|
Credits |
Per Semester |
Per Academic Year |
|
More than 6 units |
$3,225 |
$6,450 |
|
0-6 units |
$1,869 |
$3,738 |
Refer to the current catalog for a list of campus-specific fees
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is based on the estimated cost of a typical student's tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses for a nine-month academic year (fall and spring semester). While individual costs may vary, the COA reflects a modest living allowance; the figures below align with recommended standard student budgets.
2025-2026 Academic Year (two semesters)
|
Item |
Living With Parents |
Living On Campus |
Living Off Campus |
|
Tuition and fees |
$8,145 | $8,145 | $8,145 |
|
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment |
$921 | $921 | $921 |
|
Housing and Food |
$10,703 | $17,514 | $22,495 |
|
Transportation |
$2,551 | $1,672 | $3,029 |
|
Personal |
$3,340 | $2,572 | $4,315 |
|
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE |
$25,660 | $30,824 | $38,905 |
*Information on Off-Campus Cost: In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, CSUMB provides the typical market cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the cities where students commonly reside.
- Marina: $1,941
- Seaside: $2,139
- Monterey: $2,184
- Salinas: $1,897
How Financial Aid Factors into COA
Remember: Financial aid programs like grants, loans, scholarships, and work study, can help offset the cost of attending college.
At Cal State Monterey Bay, we rely on a federal formula to review every student's financial circumstances and calculate financial aid eligibility according to the Student Aid Index (SAI) formerly known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and cost of attendance. The SAI is determined by the FAFSA:
COA - SAI = Financial Aid Eligibility
For example, a student living on campus and enrolled full-time has a cost of attendance of $28,717. Suppose the SAI is $3,000. In that case, the financial aid office will subtract the SAI from the cost of attendance to determine financial aid eligibility:
$28,717 - $3,000 = eligibility of $25,717
Tip: Use our Cost of Attendance Calculator to run some numbers based on your individual circumstances.
- The period for which dependent care is required includes, but is not limited to, class-time, study-time, field work, internships, and commuting time.
- Such allowance must not exceed the reasonable cost in the community in which the student resides for the kind of care provided
Scholarship Support & Success at CSUMB
Read Berenice’s StoryBernice Lemus, a first-generation college student and business major, received the Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship. This award allowed Bernice to embrace every academic and extracurricular opportunity that came her way at Cal State Monterey Bay.
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"Walking around campus… I sometimes cannot believe how far I’ve come. I will set an example for others in my shoes and show them that success is possible no matter where you come from."
Contact Financial Aid
If you have questions about tuition, fees, and financial aid, we’re here to help.
Request Information about admissions and aid to attend Cal State Monterey Bay