CSU Monterey Bay: A Public University in the California State University System

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a public university and one of 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system—the largest public four-year university system in the US.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1994 (on former Fort Ord army base).
• Location: Seaside, CA (Monterey Peninsula), 2 mi from Monterey Bay.
• Enrollment: ~7,500 (undergrad + grad).
• Academics: 25+ majors (Business, Computer Science, Marine Science, Psychology, Nursing, Education, Arts).
• Mission: Access, diversity, community engagement, sustainability.
• Tuition (2023–24): ~$7,500/yr (CA residents), ~$19,000/yr (non-residents) + fees.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Distinctive Features

• Service learning requirement (all students).
• Marine science leverage (Moss Landing Marine Labs consortium).
• Veteran-friendly (Gold Military Friendly®).
• No football team (Otters: NCAA DII, CCAA).