CSUMB vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the People is larger than CSUMB based on total student enrollment (41,961 students vs. 7,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Monterey Bay is located in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Monterey Bay 24:1; University of the People 28:1.

CSUMB vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSUMB or University of the People? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the People than CSUMB ($1,575 vs. $14,493).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 88.4% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($2,001 vs. $17,234).
• California State University Monterey Bay is 455.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $6,379 more per year; $7,779.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,355.6% higher at CSUMB than at University of the People (about $18,979 more per year; $20,379.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the People than at California State University Monterey Bay (74% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students is 1,087.6% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($12,185 vs. $1,026).

CSUMB vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSUMB or University of the People? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of the People and CSUMB.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSUMB - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.

CSUMB vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSUMB and University of the People? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.