University of San Diego vs California State University-Monterey Bay
University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA, and California State University-Monterey Bay is a public university in Seaside, CA. University of San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 61% at California State University-Monterey Bay. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $59,247 for California State University-Monterey Bay.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Diego, CA
Seaside, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,671
6,819
Acceptance rate
52%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
960–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
17–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$13,663
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$26,987
In-state tuition
$59,486
$7,779
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$20,379
Application fee
$55
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$9,970
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$9,981
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$12,440
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$16,281
Over $110k
$46,989
$22,818
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
61%
Freshman retention
91%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$48,648
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$59,247
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$12,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
43%
First-generation students
25%
52%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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.
- Is University of San Diego or California State University-Monterey Bay harder to get into?
- University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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, University of San Diego 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. 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 University of San Diego and California State University-Monterey Bay?
- Before aid, California State University-Monterey Bay costs about $26,987 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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, University of San Diego 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 $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of San Diego or California State University-Monterey Bay?
- California State University-Monterey Bay is the larger of the two, with about 6,819 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
- Does University of San Diego or California State University-Monterey Bay have a better graduation rate?
- University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 61% at California State University-Monterey Bay.
- Do graduates of University of San Diego or California State University-Monterey Bay earn more?
- University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,247 for California State University-Monterey Bay. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of San Diego and California State University-Monterey Bay require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-Monterey Bay is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do University of San Diego and California State University-Monterey Bay look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1370 at University of San Diego and 960–1160 at California State University-Monterey Bay. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of San Diego vs Stanford UniversityUniversity of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount UniversityUniversity of San Diego vs Santa Clara UniversityCalifornia State University-Monterey Bay vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-Monterey Bay vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-Monterey Bay vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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