California State University Monterey Bay Nursing: Programs & Requirements (2026)
ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN at California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, California. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CSUMB’s cooperative ADN to BSN pathway with regional community colleges lets students complete associate and bachelor’s degree requirements at the same time, shortening time to the BSN. The RN to BSN program is hybrid and designed for working nurses, with classes often on one day to accommodate schedules.
Overview & Why Students Choose CSUMB
California State University Monterey Bay sits in Seaside, California, in the Monterey Bay area—a region with strong demand for nurses and diverse clinical settings. The Department of Nursing, part of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, prepares nurse leaders committed to health equity, evidence-based practice, and community health.
CSUMB does not offer a pre-licensure BSN. Its B.S. in Nursing features two pathways: RN to BSN for licensed RNs and a cooperative ADN to BSN bridge with partner community colleges. Both emphasize cultural humility, interprofessional collaboration, and social justice.
CSUMB’s nursing programs are for students who are or will be licensed RNs. For first-time NCLEX outcomes by institution, see the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose CSUMB
🌊 Monterey Bay Location
Coastal campus with access to Monterey Bay area hospitals and community health sites for clinical and community experiences.
🤝 Cooperative ADN to BSN
Partner with regional community colleges to complete ADN and BSN requirements concurrently, shortening time to degree.
💻 Hybrid Format
RN to BSN blends online and face-to-face instruction; classes often on one day to accommodate working nurses.
⚖️ Equity & Advocacy Focus
Curriculum emphasizes cultural humility, population health, and advocacy for underserved populations.
💵 CSU Tuition
Extended Education tuition $525 per unit; RN to BSN completable in 3 semesters full-time or 5 part-time.
Nursing Programs Offered
CSUMB’s Department of Nursing offers a single degree—the B.S. in Nursing—through two pathways. Both are delivered through the College of Extended Education as hybrid programs.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Blends online and face-to-face instruction; classes typically on one day. Full-time: 3 semesters; part-time: 5 semesters. Emphasizes communication, population health, policy, research, leadership, and equity.
ADN to BSN
Cooperative pathway with partner community colleges. Students complete associate and bachelor’s degree requirements at the same time. Coordination between CSUMB and the community college supports a seamless bridge to the BSN.
CSUMB does not offer a traditional pre-licensure BSN, an accelerated BSN, or MSN/DNP programs. It focuses on RN to BSN and ADN to BSN completion.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
CSUMB’s nursing programs are for students who are already licensed RNs (RN to BSN) or who are completing an ADN and will sit for the NCLEX separately. The department does not publish a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for a pre-licensure cohort.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (Pre-Licensure) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement (BSN Graduates) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | CSUMB Department of Nursing |
For the latest NCLEX statistics by California programs, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing. Always confirm current pass rates and benchmarks with the school and the Board before relying on any single figure.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CSUMB offers an international student option for the BSN degree program. Requirements and steps vary by visa status and whether you are seeking a student visa or California RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with CSUMB and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: The RN to BSN international pathway states NO TOEFL requirement; confirm current policy with the Department of Nursing and CSUMB International Programs, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign ADN or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how CSUMB wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: International BSN option is full-time, starts Fall, application deadline March 1; tuition $6,000 per semester (12 units). Confirm F‑1 and financial documentation with the university.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify everything with CSUMB’s international student nursing page and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to CSUMB’s RN to BSN or ADN to BSN program requires meeting GPA and prerequisite requirements. Applicants must have a valid California RN license or earn one before the last semester of the program.
- Nursing Program GPA ≥ 3.0
- Prerequisites GPA ≥ 2.75
- Overall GPA ≥ 2.75
- Valid California RN license, or will earn before last semester
- Prerequisites: Oral Communication; Written Communication (e.g. English 1A); Critical Thinking; Statistics; Chemistry (with or without lab); Microbiology with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Human Anatomy with lab
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Applications Open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Not publicly disclosed | November 1 |
| Summer / Fall | Not publicly disclosed | March 1 |
| International (Fall only) | October 1 | March 1 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum Nursing GPA | 3.0 |
| Minimum Prerequisites / Overall GPA | 2.75 |
| TEAS Required | No |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Ensure all prerequisites are completed or in progress and that your nursing and overall GPAs meet the minimums. If you are in an ADN program, ask your advisor about the cooperative pathway with CSUMB. Confirm application open and deadline dates each cycle on the CSUMB nursing application page.
Advice by applicant type
🩺 Licensed RN (ADN or diploma)
You are the primary audience for the RN to BSN pathway. Apply with an unencumbered California RN license (or plan to obtain it before the last semester). The hybrid format is designed for working nurses.
🎓 ADN student at a partner community college
Inquire about the cooperative ADN to BSN pathway so you can complete BSN courses while finishing your ADN. Coordination between schools can shorten time to the BSN.
🌍 International applicant
International BSN option is full-time, Fall start, March 1 deadline. No TOEFL required per program materials; confirm with CSUMB. Tuition is $6,000 per semester (12 units).
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Nursing at CSUMB is offered through the College of Extended Education. Tuition is charged per unit. Key figures are below; confirm current rates on the university website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition per Unit (Extended Education) | $525 (effective Fall 2022) |
| RN to BSN (approx. 30 units) | ~$15,750 total (estimate) |
| International (per semester, 12 units) | $6,000 |
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Enrollment Confirmation Fee | $100 (credited toward tuition) |
| Extended Education Student Services Fee | $39 per semester |
| Graduation Application Fee | $40 |
| Fees & Living Costs (housing, books) | Not publicly disclosed |
Fees and housing costs can change. For the most current breakdown, visit CSUMB RN to BSN program fees and the university’s cost of attendance pages.
Complete the FAFSA for federal aid. CSUMB and the CSU system offer financial aid and scholarships; check the school’s financial aid office and the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program for nursing-specific support.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (Pre-Licensure) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement (BSN Graduates) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about specific employers hiring CSUMB nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at csumb.edu/nursing.
Is CSUMB the Right Fit for You?
Choosing where to complete your BSN depends on your schedule, location, and goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at CSUMB and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Are licensed RNs (or soon will be) and want a hybrid RN to BSN
- Are in an ADN program at a CSUMB partner community college and want the cooperative ADN to BSN
- Want a focus on health equity, community health, and advocacy
- Prefer classes on one day and online flexibility for working nurses
- Want to study in the Monterey Bay area
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a pre-licensure BSN or accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Are looking for MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing
- Want a fully online RN to BSN with no face-to-face requirement
- Are outside California and need an out-of-state online option
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Monterey Bay and Salinas area is a significant healthcare corridor for the Central Coast. Major facilities provide diverse settings for clinical and community experiences.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Natividad Medical Center | Salinas — County safety-net hospital; trauma center, maternal-child, and community health. |
| Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula | Monterey Peninsula — Full-service hospital; cardiac, cancer, and surgical services. |
| Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System | Salinas — Not-for-profit; acute care and outpatient services. |
| Mee Memorial Hospital | King City — Serves South Monterey County and surrounding areas. |
California faces ongoing demand for RNs. The Monterey Bay region offers a mix of urban and rural settings, safety-net and community hospitals, and population health initiatives—giving CSUMB students exposure to varied patient populations and care environments.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Department of Nursing is in Ocean Hall, Building 86, Suite C. The RN to BSN and ADN to BSN programs use a hybrid format: online coursework plus face-to-face classes, often scheduled on one day to accommodate working nurses.
Curriculum emphasizes communication, population health, evidence-based practice, and information literacy. Students complete clinical and community experiences as part of the program; the department coordinates placements in the Monterey Bay area.
CSUMB’s coastal campus offers housing options, and international students can apply for on-campus housing. For student organizations and campus life, see the university’s student life and diversity pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Seaside, CA
- Address
- 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA 93955, US
- Telephone
- (831) 582-5330 (Nursing); (831) 582-3000 (main)
- Contact email
- nursing@csumb.edu
- Website
- www.csumb.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CSUMB Nursing website and review program pathways and requirements.
- Review the prerequisite list (nursing GPA ≥ 3.0, prerequisites GPA ≥ 2.75, overall ≥ 2.75) and compare to your transcripts.
- Confirm whether TEAS or other exams are required for your pathway (RN to BSN does not require TEAS).
- Draft a list of questions for the Department of Nursing or advising (Advisement).
- Reach out to current CSUMB nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about the hybrid format and clinical experiences.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials if required.
- Check the application deadline for your target term (March 1 for Summer/Fall; November 1 for Spring) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University Monterey Bay a good school for nursing?
CSUMB’s Department of Nursing offers CSU-accredited RN to BSN and ADN to BSN pathways with a focus on health equity, evidence-based practice, and community health. The hybrid format suits working RNs, and the cooperative ADN to BSN with community colleges is a strong option in the Monterey Bay region.
What GPA do you need for CSUMB’s nursing program?
You need a nursing program GPA of at least 3.0, a prerequisites GPA of at least 2.75, and an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
Does CSUMB require the TEAS exam for nursing?
No. The RN to BSN and ADN to BSN pathways are for students who are or will be licensed RNs; TEAS is not required.
How competitive is admission to CSUMB’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting the minimum GPA and prerequisite requirements is required; confirm current criteria with the Department of Nursing.
Does CSUMB offer an accelerated BSN?
CSUMB does not offer a pre-licensure accelerated BSN. It offers RN to BSN (3 semesters full-time or 5 part-time) and a cooperative ADN to BSN pathway with partner community colleges.
What are the clinical placement sites for CSUMB nursing students?
RN to BSN and ADN to BSN students complete clinical and community experiences as part of the curriculum. Sites are coordinated by the Department of Nursing and can include facilities in the Monterey Bay area such as Natividad Medical Center, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and Salinas Valley Memorial.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for CSUMB?
CSUMB’s programs are for already-licensed or soon-to-be-licensed RNs. The program does not publish a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for a pre-licensure cohort. For NCLEX outcomes by institution, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- CSUMB Department of Nursing — Programs and overviewcsumb.edu/nursing
- CSUMB RN to BSN Pathway — Fees and requirementscsumb.edu/nursing/rn-to-bsn-pathway
- CSUMB Nursing — How to Applycsumb.edu/nursing/how-to-apply
- CSUMB International Student Program (Nursing)csumb.edu/nursing/international-student
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and licensurern.ca.gov
- Tuition data sourced from CSUMB official website; fees and dates may change. Confirm with the institution.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy