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Life Pacific University vs California State University-Monterey Bay

Life Pacific University is a private university in San Dimas, CA, and California State University-Monterey Bay is a public university in Seaside, CA. Life Pacific University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 97% at California State University-Monterey Bay. California State University-Monterey Bay is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,663 a year against $20,898 at Life Pacific University. About 61% of students graduate at California State University-Monterey Bay, compared with 48% at Life Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Monterey Bay alumni earn a median of about $59,247, against $43,299 for Life Pacific University.

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Life Pacific University

San Dimas, CA · Private

California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Dimas, CA
Seaside, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
456
6,819
Acceptance rate
96%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1085
960–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,898
$13,663
Full cost / yr
$35,062
$26,987
In-state tuition
$22,118
$7,779
Out-of-state tuition
$22,118
$20,379
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,786
$9,970
$30k - $48k
$18,984
$9,981
$48k - $75k
$18,255
$12,440
$75k - $110k
$23,108
$16,281
Over $110k
$25,877
$22,818
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
61%
Freshman retention
73%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,814
$48,648
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,299
$59,247
Median debt at graduation
$22,395
$12,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
43%
First-generation students
37%
52%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
May 1
Feb 16

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay harder to get into?
Life Pacific University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 97% at California State University-Monterey Bay. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,663 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,898 at Life Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Life Pacific University and California State University-Monterey Bay?
Before aid, California State University-Monterey Bay costs about $26,987 a year and Life Pacific University about $35,062. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $16,786 at Life Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay is the larger of the two, with about 6,819 undergraduates against 456 at Life Pacific University.
Does Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Monterey Bay has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 48% at Life Pacific University.
Do graduates of Life Pacific University or California State University-Monterey Bay earn more?
California State University-Monterey Bay alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,247 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,299 for Life Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Life Pacific University and California State University-Monterey Bay require SAT or ACT scores?
Life Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California State University-Monterey Bay is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Life Pacific University and California State University-Monterey Bay look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1085 at Life Pacific University and 960–1160 at California State University-Monterey Bay. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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