National University vs California State University-Monterey Bay: which has better ROI?
National University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,512 in 4.8 years versus 5 years at California State University-Monterey Bay, on median earnings of $67,548 vs $59,247 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | National University | California State University-Monterey Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,878 | $13,663 |
| Total net cost | $91,512 | $54,652 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,548 | $59,247 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $12,750 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $292,248 | $163,088 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, National University or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay, at $13,663 a year after aid versus $22,878 — a gap of $9,215 a year, or $36,860 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do National University or California State University-Monterey Bay graduates earn more?
National University graduates report a median $67,548 ten years after entry, $8,301 more than the $59,247 at California State University-Monterey Bay. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, National University or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay: its completers carry a median $12,750 in federal loans versus $25,000 at National University, a difference of $12,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at California State University-Monterey Bay, against 43% at National University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.