Wall Street Journal rankings recognize ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's excellence and value

The university ranked No. 24 among California public universities.

Graduation 2025
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý students have much to celebrate with the new rankings from the Wall Street Journal. | Photo by Shannon Cronin

Cal State Monterey Bay’s average net price for a bachelor’s degree is just $14,487, and data shows graduates earn an average of $31,458 more in annual salary as a result. Those numbers show that ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is one of the best values in higher education, placing it No. 24 among public universities in California, just ahead of UC Santa Cruz, and 172nd nationally in the released this week.

“Cal State Monterey Bay is deeply committed to providing accessible and affordable education for our students that allows them to transform their lives, their families and contribute meaningfully to our region,” said ÐÔÊӽ紫ý President Vanya Quiñones. “The latest Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings recognize our success at providing our students with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in real-world jobs and move our local industries forward.”

The journal’s rankings categories for ÐÔÊӽ紫ý include the following:

  • Overall Rank: 172 (nationwide)

  • Rank among California public universities: 24

  • Diversity score: 92

  • Graduation rate score: 80

  • Average net price: $14,487

  • Value added to graduate salary: $31,458

  • Estimated time to recoup cost: 1 year, 10 months

The methodology for the rankings includes assessments of graduation rates, post-college earnings, affordability, campus experience and social mobility. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s results underscore its student-centered mission and consistent impact, especially for first-generation and historically underrepresented students.

Provost Andrew Lawson said, “Our strong showing in national rankings reflects a culture built around academic excellence, a commitment to our regional community and local industries, and strong post-graduate outcomes for students.”

In July, Money magazine reinforced this message, awarding ÐÔÊӽ紫ý 4.5 out of 5 stars in its “Best Colleges in America” guide, citing the university’s “accessible and affordable” programs and strong performance on economic mobility measures. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý was also one of just 12 institutions to receive Money’s five-star rating for master’s programs in education.

To learn more about ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s outcomes and rankings, visit the Rankings webpage.

News Information

Published
October 1, 2025
Department/College
Office of the President, University News
News Type
News Topics