Monterey County is a unique landscape, hugging the coast and spanning over 3,000 square miles. From Pajaro to Bradley, people from all walks of life, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultural identities call this area their home. A 2022 census revealed that over 60% of Monterey County residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, a statistic that has steadily increased since 2010. In such a diverse environment, the principles of equity and inclusion are not just important, but they are the foundation upon which our institutions must be built.

California State University: Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is just one example of an institution that upholds these values, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. As of 2024, the U.S. News and World Report ranked CSUMB as the No. 1 performer in social mobility. It also ranked No. 5 compared to all public universities in the West and No. 15 compared to all universities in a 15-state radius. The metric for measuring social mobility, which can be explored in more detail here, is based on graduation rates and peer assessment of low-income or economically disadvantaged students. These students are typically eligible for the Pell Grant, awarded by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Pell Grant provides between $740 and $7,395 to students with family incomes of $45,000 or less. The report found that students who qualified for The Pell Grant had higher graduation rates and more positive peer assessments at CSUMB than at other institutions, contributing to its high social mobility scale ranking. Likewise, CSUMB's ability to climb public and regional university rankings is a testament to its success in supporting its students' growth, aspirations, and career readiness.

This feat accomplished by CSUMB should not be understated, especially considering the disproportionate challenges that face low-income communities of color. In the CSU system alone, the graduation rate for low-income students obtaining a four-year degree sits at a shocking 18.5%. Likewise, these disparities are split along racial lines, with Black and Hispanic/Latino students graduating at rates of 13.7% and 15.6%, respectively. In comparison, the typical graduation rate at CSU is 35% as of 2022, and white students typically graduate at a rate of 29.3%.

As U.S. News and World Report corroborates, low-income students are at a significant disadvantage when they enter higher education. They are burdened by the rising cost of living and skyrocketing tuition, which financial aid does not always fully mitigate. CSUMB serves as a role model in advancing student success regardless of socioeconomic status or racial identity, allowing students to receive a more accessible education without further burdening them.

CSUMB was founded just 30 years ago, and has now emerged as a leader in higher education, particularly in its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The diverse and beautiful Monterey County has created an institution that truly serves the community, propelling young people of color into fruitful careers and inspiring low-income students to seize the opportunities ahead of them. There is a long way to go in creating truly equitable landscapes for marginalized communities, but CSUMB continues to take the lead in ensuring all students can thrive.

CSUMB No. 1 in Social Mobility U.S. News Ranking