California State University Monterey Bay
Locations: Seaside (CA)
Annual Tuition: $20,379
Student Reviews
Jazmin
Reviewed: 4/1/2026
Degree: Psychology
The community is great I love the environment and resources CSUMB provides. I don’t like how the staff is treated and the long wait it takes for anything to be processed with the school itself. I personally commute to school but students that live on campus shouldn’t be going homeless because their promise of a living situation was taken away
Victoria
Reviewed: 3/19/2026
Degree: Education
I was not amazed by completing my graduate program here. The professors were unorganized at times or did not seem like they wanted to be there. I only had two great professors during my whole two-year program. There were not a lot of student activities on campus, which made me feel like I wasn’t really a student there. The location is a nuisance and parking was consistently a problem.
Anonymous
Reviewed: 3/12/2026
Degree: Film Production
Competent and passionate professors, but like with most situations, you get what you put into it. The school offered a range of areas of production and studies, which allowed for students to take the path that fit their interests. It can be difficult to make friends, especially as a transfer student, but if someone truly wants to make friends, there are resources on campus as well as the community as a whole (such as hiking groups) where you can find more opportunities to socialize.
JAAA
Reviewed: 3/11/2026
Degree: Computer Science
Some things I liked about the school was my professors were good. The courses were also helpful and challenging. Other students were respectful and smart. The school had good resources you could take advantage of and help you. One thing I didn't like was the parking.
Molly Irvine
Reviewed: 2/10/2026
Degree: Communications
I really enjoyed my courses and the way I was able to really customize my classes and major to fit my interests. I wish there was more emphasis on what to do with my specific degree after college as I am now 15 years post grad and really haven't felt supported since leaving campus.
Mandy Hank
Reviewed: 12/6/2025
Degree: Business Administration
CSUMB’s Business Administration program is solid and practical. Professors are approachable, and classes focus on real-world skills you can actually use. I appreciated the smaller class sizes and hands-on projects, though some courses could be more challenging. Overall, it’s a great program for anyone looking to enter business with a strong foundation.
MBA Student 2021
Reviewed: 2/3/2021
Degree: MBA
"I did not enjoy my time at CSUMB online MBA program". Things I did not enjoy are related to the financial aid department and lack of professor profesionalism and knowledge. Classes could be more challenging as they did not require much effort. The course Capstone project was pointless. The exit exam for stats and over learning outcome of full course was not helpful as no information was retained. Mostly everyone failed the Stats and Exist Exam, the professor had to curve the grade. Me and my peers... Read More
Whittier
Reviewed: 8/5/2019
Degree: Business
I attend California State University, Sacramento. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration: Entrepreneurship and I am now in the MBA program. Ive been very fortunate to have several exceptional professors, one of whom, has been mentoring me. The business school is very well rounded. I feel I was prepared for the real world. With the exception of one or two all my professors cared about how my success in their class and they were very receptive. I love how campus looks as the seasons... Read More
Nyalok
Reviewed: 6/30/2019
Degree:
I enjoyed my time at CSUMB. As a student who left San Diego for Monterey, I was intimidated to be going to school so far away from home. However, the structure of Monterey made it easier to acclimate. The small city, in comparison to San Diego had a homely feel to it.
I appreciated the small class sizes, as it allowed me to get to know my classmates and network with faculty of interest. It also made the transition from high school to college more comfortable, as I did not have to deal with huge lectures... Read More
Things I did not enjoy are related to the financial aid department. Often referred to as one of the more affordable CSUs, I thought I would be getting more aid than what I received. I would advise students to complete their FAFSA ASAP. If you are selected for verification, try to complete the forms as soon as you see the hold on your account. Know your financial aid counselor, and communicate consistently.
I would also say that the classes could be more challenging, as they did not require much. I know some people do not mind an "Easy A" every now and then, but a challenge would be helpful, especially for those who want to go further in their field.
Overall, it was a nice experience. I would encourage students to join clubs and student organizations to give you something to do socially. Also, network with who you can, while you can. Enjoy your stay, and take advantage of the beautiful city.
Dinora Martinez
Reviewed: 6/8/2019
Degree:
CSUMB has a great language program both in Spanish & Japanese. Anyone who majors in either field will enjoy their time because of the small department that we are. You can always reach out to professors. Since we are a small community you really get to know your professors & they get to know you, which is the best part. Overall I loved my time at CSUMB. I also worked at the tutoring center, and it was great to work with incredible staff who served as mentors as well. One thing that shocked me at... Read More
Miranda Ebert
Reviewed: 5/8/2019
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Though this is the newest California State University, the professors are all very committed to ensuring that your needs are met as a student. They invest their time in making sure you are prepared to enter upper level courses, and build a community within your area of focus. There is always something going on on campus, even though it is a smaller school.
Mandy Simon
Reviewed: 3/7/2019
Degree: Fitness Trainer
The campus has probably grown since I attended, but one of the things I liked the most was the intimate atmosphere. The classrooms were small which allowed professors more time to help students. Since I was involved in sports, most of the teams were very close and supported each other by attending the games of different sports. This created a great supportive dynamic when it came to academics. It was fairly inexpensive and I had a great time. The one thing I would hope has changed in recent years... Read More
Chelsea Robinson
Reviewed: 3/15/2017
Degree: Health Sciences
California State University Monterey Bay is the best school on the coast. When you attend CSUMB you go to school on the beach! Literally, you can take courses like marine science and explore the Monterey waters as well as take one of our fine diving courses and become a certified diver. It does not get any better than that. We have a great athletic department that includes Cross-Coutnry and track, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and much more. We are ranked one of the best schools for low tuition... Read More
Eva Esakoff
Reviewed: 3/14/2017
Degree: Psychology
After attending California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), I feel prepared for the next step of higher education. I studied Psychology with a minor in Health & Wellness, giving me some background in both mental and physical health! I liked CSUMB's psychology program because the curriculum touched on different areas of psychology, such as social, developmental, clinical/counseling, etc. Because the courses give a broad education, it's a great major pathway for students who are still trying... Read More
Jackie Malone
Reviewed: 2/1/2017
Degree: Communications (Journalism & Media)
CSU Monterey Bay was a beautiful area. It is next to the Monterey Bay, Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and a quick drive to Santa Cruz. There are plenty of gorgeous areas of the coastline to explore. However, as a college student with very little funds, it was difficult to experience it all. However, in one word, I would describe the school as frustrating. Every kind of student services and counseling question was not easy. There was chaos within the departments and no one seemed to be on the same... Read More
Drake Dixon
Reviewed: 9/22/2016
Degree: Business Administration
Going to CSUMB was the best decision in my life. I was able to get a great education that prepared me for my professional career. The professors are no less than incredible. They genuinely care and will go above and beyond to help students grasp information. I would encourage anyone who is looking at different colleges to consider studying at CSU Monterey Bay. This college made such a huge impact on my life that I am currently applying for their MBA program.
Ishtar Najem
Reviewed: 8/26/2016
Degree: Cultural Studies
CSUMB is a fantastic college. The instructors were fantastic and more than helpful in guiding my career goals. The classes were not only educational but inspirational. The library and business building I believe are two beautiful building that helped me with my studies, working on my Capstone day and night, and most importantly with my graduation.
Alex Olson
Reviewed: 6/6/2015
Degree: Environmental Science
Moss Landing Marine Labs (via CSU-Monterey Bay) is an amazing place. I'm very pleased overall to be in this program and think it is a great fit for me. There are many opportunities to get involved and try different things with so many disciplines within a small educational community. I take issue only with the fact that some of our resources have been downsized and will limit the experiences and specific opportunities for incoming graduate students. I feel lucky and privileged enough to have been... Read More
Gregory Hemming
Reviewed: 1/9/2015
Degree: Elementary Education
CalStateTEACH program needs more seminars so you can meet other students organically.
Paige Jaco
Reviewed: 12/16/2014
Degree: Public Policy
The program is a bit unorganized but with a new director and some upcoming changes I believe it will be better in the upcoming years.