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AdmissionsOS

California State University-Monterey Bay vs California State University-Stanislaus

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-Monterey Bay California State University-Stanislaus
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 97% 98%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $13,663 $6,067
Sticker cost of attendance $26,987 $19,739
Graduation rate 59% 53%
Retention rate 80% 82%
Undergraduates 6,819 8,385
Student-faculty ratio 24:1 18:1
Setting Seaside, CA Turlock, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $70
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-Monterey Bay or California State University-Stanislaus harder to get into?

California State University-Monterey Bay is more selective, with a 97% acceptance rate versus 98% at California State University-Stanislaus. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Monterey Bay or California State University-Stanislaus?

California State University-Stanislaus has the lower average net price ($6,067 versus $13,663). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.