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California State University Monterey Bay

Seaside, California

8,000 Students on Campus
Seaside Location
55,066 Metro Population
8,000 Students on Campus
Seaside Location
55,066 Metro Population

About This Campus

Cal State Monterey Bay provides over 7,500 students an extraordinary opportunity to learn on a residential campus just one mile from the shores of the beautiful Monterey Bay. Our diverse student body receives personal attention in small classes while pursuing degrees in undergraduate and graduate majors. Founded in 1994 on the former site of Fort Ord by educators and community leaders, CSUMB faculty and staff build on that legacy as we explore innovative ways to meet the needs of a new generation of students while simultaneously powering the Monterey County economy.

1 Mile from the beach: Whether you're diving for a marine science class or relaxing with friends, you will love being so close to the coast.

Monterey Bay is a protected Marine Sanctuary that features an underwater canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Our proximity to Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area (about a two-hour drive) puts exciting opportunities within reach.

Helpful Information

Unlike many other California universities, CSUMB allows exchange students to enroll in classes before coming to campus, if they apply by posted deadlines. While we cannot guarantee that you will get into every class you request, there is increased likelihood that you will be happy with your schedule. There is also on-campus housing which students can apply for.

Location Information

Located along the central coast of California, Monterey Bay is a vibrant and dynamic community that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. With its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and lush forests, this area provides students with a peaceful and relaxing environment that is perfect for study and recreation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or a dynamic and vibrant community in which to pursue your education and career, Monterey Bay has it all.

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/25/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/19/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/20/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/15/2027

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Masters Level Programs, Mechatronics Engineering, Nursing

OTHER ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

All course registration will be done through the International Programs Office. Students will be sent a form which they indicate their desired courses, and then staff will register the students for courses.

UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Environmental Science Technology and Policy — We offer Environmental Science as well as Environmental Science, Technology and Policy which focuses not only on the science aspects but the policy aspects as well.
  • Marine Science — CSUMB is on the Monterey Bay, a protected Marine Sanctuary and classes may be held on the Bay.
  • Sustainable Hospitality Management — We have a wonderful Sustainable Hospitality Management program that helps students to get hands on experience working for local eco-friendly resorts, spas, recreation locations, etc.
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
Limited Closed

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
  • Summer Exchange: Not Available
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will accept on Home or Away
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away/Home Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 02/25/2026
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Available
    Estimated cost: $3419
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 17
  • Host Payment: 17
Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/10/2025
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $4525
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

We strongly encourage students to apply before our application priority deadline, so that they can apply for on-campus housing once it opens. On-campus housing is first come first served. All visiting students will be assigned in residence halls. No other housing accommodations will be available.

NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:

We highly recommend our students to apply for on campus housing as for international students securing off campus housing is not easy. Off campus housing is becoming more common, but public transportation is limited.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $0
  • Campus Meal Plans
NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

Meal plans are required for on-campus living.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Direct Placement for Spring 2027

Home Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

Direct placement is not available for this payment plan during Spring 2027.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

Direct placement is available for Spring 2027! Apply now and receive an immediate decision.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 27/28

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Limited

This campus usually accepts less than 50% of students that request it. Be prepared to be placed at an alternative choice. If applying to a site with a 'limited' chance of placement, we suggest that you list a minimum of 3-5 campuses on your application, with one to two sites that have an OPEN or EXCELLENT chance of acceptance.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Limited

This campus usually accepts less than 50% of students that request it. Be prepared to be placed at an alternative choice. If applying to a site with a 'limited' chance of placement, we suggest that you list a minimum of 3-5 campuses on your application, with one to two sites that have an OPEN or EXCELLENT chance of acceptance.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: