International Student Tuition & Fees at Cal State Monterey Bay
Understanding Your Costs: International Student Tuition & Fees
A warm welcome to you from California State University, Monterey Bay! We're so excited by your interest in joining our diverse and dynamic student body as an international student. Your CSUMB education is an investment in a bright future, filled with unique learning experiences in a breathtaking location. To help you prepare for this incredible opportunity, this page breaks down the tuition, fees, and estimated living costs you can expect. We're here to make this process as clear as possible.
Your Investment in a CSUMB Education
As an international student at CSUMB, your total costs will include:
- Base Tuition & Mandatory Campus Fees: These are standard fees paid by all CSUMB students, covering the cost of instruction, student services, health services, and access to campus facilities.
- Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition: As an international student (and non-resident of California), you will be required to pay supplemental tuition in addition to the base tuition. This is charged on a per-unit basis.
- Estimated Living Expenses: This includes housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and mandatory health insurance.
Estimated Cost of Attendance for International Students
To help you plan, CSUMB provides an Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). This is an estimate of the total amount it will likely cost a student to attend CSUMB for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). The COA is crucial for:
- Budgeting: Helping you and your family prepare financially.
- Visa Application: Demonstrating you have sufficient funds to cover your studies and living expenses, which is required for your I-20 form and F-1 visa application.
Important Note: The figures below are estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change without notice. Always refer to the official CSUMB resources linked below for the most up-to-date information.
| Cost Category | Estimated Undergraduate (per academic year) | Estimated Graduate (per academic year) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident tuition & campus fees | $18,993 (at 12 units/semester) | $14,712 (at 8 units/semester*) |
| Estimated living expenses | $16,262 | $16,262 |
| Personal expenses, including books | $4,204 | $4,204 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Total estimated cost of attendance | $41,059 | $36,778 |
Important Reminders for International Students
- Health Insurance: All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage that meets CSUMB requirements. More information can be found here.
- Full-Time Enrollment: International students are generally required to maintain full-time enrollment (e.g., 12 units for undergraduates, 9 units for graduates per semester) to maintain their visa status. Non-resident supplemental tuition is charged per unit.
- Summer Session: Costs for summer session enrollment are separate and not included in the academic year COA.
- Dependents: If you plan to bring dependents (spouse or children) on an F-2 visa, you will need to show additional proof of funds.
- Costs Subject to Change: Tuition, fees, and living expense estimates are subject to change by the CSU Board of Trustees and CSUMB.
Scholarship & Financial Aid
While CSUMB offers limited institutional scholarships for international students, we encourage you to explore all available funding options:
- CSUMB International Student Scholarship: Interested students can apply here.
- External Scholarships: Search for scholarships from your home country, international organizations, and private foundations.
- Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students may find assistantship opportunities within their departments. Please check with your specific graduate program.
| Program | Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science | Graduate |
Internal process that faculty nominate |
| Marine Science | Graduate & Student |
GA's selected by MLML Faculty each semester for their classes SA's - application process sent out via email |
| MIST | Graduate |
Intermitten - depending on Funding and deaprtment teaching needs. Process - communicate student the need for lower division course instruction and they can directly apply |
| School Psyc | Teacher |
Co teach class; following up with the process to apply |
| Social Work | None | Does not offer |
| Education & Credential | None | Program does not offer for MAE and credentials |
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
We understand that university costs involve many details. Our team is ready and waiting to help clarify anything for you, so please feel comfortable reaching out.
- For questions about the admissions process:
CSUMB Admissions Office
Email: internationaladmissions@csumb.edu
Phone: (831)582-3111
WeChat ID: wxid_q9ew6j63wmu912
What's App: (831) 649-9085 -
For questions about I-20, cost of attendance for visa purposes, and international student life:
CSUMB International Programs
Email: international@csumb.edu
Phone: (831) 582-4778 - For questions about tuition bills, payment methods, and deadlines:
CSUMB Student Financial Services (Bursar's Office)
Email: student_receivables@csumb.edu
Phone: (831) 582-4022