Until the 1990s this was Fort Ord, an army training base. CSU Monterey Bay opened on the former base in 1995 and still has old barracks being cleared around newer buildings. It sits between the towns of Seaside and Marina, a few minutes from the ocean. Marine science, environmental science, business, computer science and cinematic arts are popular, and the Salinas Valley farms next door shape research in agriculture.
Seaside, California, United States
Official website: csumb.edu
1995
Public, California State University system
Former Fort Ord army base
Between Seaside and Marina, Monterey County
$18,000 – $21,000
International students, tuition plus nonresident fees
$18,000 – $24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on csumb.edu before you apply.
BS Marine Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Environmental Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BA Cinematic Arts and Technology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Marine science on Monterey Bay, near national marine sanctuary waters.
A campus built on a former army base.
Close to Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur.
Science graduates join marine labs, conservation groups and agencies around the bay.
Business graduates work in Monterey's tourism sector and Salinas Valley agribusiness.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT after the degree.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Spring deadlines
The campus is a few minutes from the dunes at Marina and Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Monterey's Cannery Row and aquarium are about 15 minutes away.
Housing on the peninsula is expensive, so many students live on campus. Weather stays cool and foggy for much of the summer.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates apply through Cal State Apply, typically October 1 to early December for fall entry. The few graduate programmes set their own spring deadlines.
CSUMB admits mainly for the fall semester. Spring entry is limited.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, California State University - Monterey Bay issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Marine science, environmental science, business, computer science and cinematic arts are popular. Entry uses school grades with around IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates.
Scholarships for international students are limited. Enrolled students can apply through the university's annual scholarship application.
