Why Cal State Monterey Bay?

Located on the central California coast, our campus community is welcoming, inspiring, and supportive. It’s also brimming with intellectual curiosity, exciting events, and endless possibilities.

WHY CHOOSE CSUMB?

The Strength of Us. The Strength of Here.

Our people. Our programs. Our location. These factors all contribute to what makes the Cal State Monterey Bay experience special.

Learn More About Us

The Monterey Bay Area

Explore the Monterey Bay Area

Our coastal location opens you up to unique learning experiences-and adventures outside of class. The local biodiversity is rich with research potential, and our proximity to San Francisco and San Jose expands your possibilities for career connections.

1

Mile from the beach

Whether you’re learning to dive for a marine science class or relaxing with friends, you’ll love being so close to the Pacific.

Scuba
ANNIE HANSEN ’25

An Ocean of Opportunity

“I like being so close to the ocean. To learn about it in my classes and then go to the beach and see it in person has been a really cool experience.”

Meet Annie

Adventures

Things to Do

Hiking

Surfing 

Swimming

Beachcombing

Habitats to Study

Ocean

Coast

Wetlands

Redwood Forests

Oak Forests

Supportive Community

Join the Raft

As a member of the Raft – our Otter community – you’ll discover quickly that we’re stronger together. Here you'll be cheered on by your peers, mentored by faculty, and supported by a dedicated staff.

25:1

Student-faculty ratio

A small-school atmosphere means lots of face-to-face time with your professors.

Student Profile
SAMIYA TERRY ’23

Building Community. Finding Family.

“The faculty here will come up to you after class and try to get to know you. Because [CSUMB] is a smaller school, I’ve been able to network on a deeper level.”

Read Samiya’s Story

Supportive Programs

How we support you:

Tutoring & Study Skills Help

Library & Research Help

Career Advising

Accessibility Services

MIgrant Student Support

Guardian Scholars Program

Transformative Outcomes

See Our Outcomes

Our programs are life-changing. We serve a diverse student population from across California and beyond—and more than half of the Otter community is first-generation college students. They leave here prepared for careers and empowered to make an impact.

Veteran Michael Parr is planning on attending medical school

Against the Odds

Michael Parr ’18 didn’t think he’d finish high school, but thanks to good mentors, he did. At 36, after time in the Marines, he found that same support at CSUMB, where he majored in kinesiology with sights set on med school.

Read Michael’s Story

Career Potential

After CSUMB: Sample Companies

  • Apple
  • Boeing
  • Microsoft
  • NASA
  • Pixar
  • The Walt Disney Company

Continued Education Opportunities

After CSUMB: Example Grad Schools

  • Harvard University
  • Princeton University 
  • Stanford University
  • UC Berkeley
  • UCLA
  • University of Pennsylvania
Grad

Accessible. Affordable. A Lifetime of Value.

Cal State Monterey Bay is proud to offer a high-quality, experience-rich education at one of the most affordable rates among public universities in the state.

  • #1

    For social mobility in the West

    U.S. News & World Report, 2025

  • 53%

    First Generation Students

    More than half of CSUMB students are the first in their family to go to college

  • 72%

    Receive financial aid

    Most admitted CSUMB students receive some form of financial aid