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California State University-Monterey Bay and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt are both public institutions — California State University-Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in Arcata, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Seaside, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 97.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,819
Tuition: $20,379/year
Student-faculty ratio: 24.0:1
Graduation rate: 59.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Seaside, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
Arcata, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 98.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,612
Tuition: $20,850/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 48.5%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Arcata, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
| Factor | California State University-Monterey Bay | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 97.4% | 98.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,819 | 5,612 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,379/year | $20,850/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,663 | $13,171 |
| Graduation rate | 59.1% | 48.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,247 | $47,626 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 24.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Seaside, CA | Arcata, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Computer science | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (97.4% vs 98.2%). California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,171 vs $13,663). California State University-Monterey Bay reports the higher graduation rate (59.1% vs 48.5%). California State University-Monterey Bay is the larger undergraduate campus (6,819 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-Monterey Bay and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
California State University-Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97.4%; California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is around 98.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-Monterey Bay tuition is $20,379/year. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is $20,850/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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