California State University, Monterey Bay SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
The key here is that Cal State Monterey Bay is test-free, not just test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores will not shape your admission decision. With a 97.3% acceptance rate, your goal is to keep your coursework and GPA solid, ideally near or above the 3.33 entering average, and choose a campus where you can follow through to graduation.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Monterey Bay facts and stats
California State University, Monterey Bay enrolls 6,910 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Cal State Monterey Bay has an 80% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 59% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1. Cal State Monterey Bay is test-free for admissions.
Seaside, CA
How does your GPA compare at Cal State Monterey Bay?
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Key California State University, Monterey Bay application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
July 16
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 30
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Cal State Monterey Bay is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and are not needed for the July 16 Regular Decision deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
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What you'll actually pay
Cal State Monterey Bay is a public university with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $18,684. About 60% of students receive financial aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.
For out-of-state students, tuition at Cal State Monterey Bay is $18,684, compared with $6,084 for in-state students, and room and board is $17,234. About 60% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $13,954, and merit awards average $1,549. Graduates leave with an average debt of $21,646.
Student life at California State University, Monterey Bay
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 1% of women join sororities.
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American River College
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