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Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to expanding access and affordability to a high quality ÌÇÐĶ¯Âþvlog education. The Otter Promise is intended to support students in their pursuit of a Cal State Monterey Bay bachelor’s degree by ensuring that tuition and mandatory campus fees are fully covered for eligible students.

New incoming students who meet these requirements:

• Be a California resident or qualify for in-state tuition
• Be admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay
• Complete the FAFSA or CADAA by the California priority deadline
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less
• FAFSA filers must be Pell Grant-eligible
• Enroll full time at ÌÇÐĶ¯Âþvlog

To remain eligible, students must:

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Enroll full-time (12 or more units per semester)
• Renew the financial aid application each year by the California priority deadline

The Otter Promise applies to new incoming students who have been admitted for Fall 2026 and meet the eligibility criteria. Students who do not meet the Otter Promise criteria should still complete the FAFSA or CADAA and connect with the financial aid office. Students often receive financial aid and scholarships that significantly reduce overall costs. Approximately 89% of Cal State Monterey Bay students receive some form of financial aid.

Tuition and mandatory campus fees. It does not cover other educational costs such as housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. However, these costs may be covered by other forms of financial aid.

No renewal application is required. However, students must meet the following eligibility requirements each year:

• Remain full-time (12+ units per semester
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  
• Renew the FAFSA or CADAA annually by the California priority deadline

Often, yes. Many Cal State Monterey Bay students receive multiple forms of aid. In addition to the Otter Promise, eligible students may also receive other aid to help cover broader costs of attendance.

The Otter Promise is not a standalone “extra scholarship.” Instead, it is a promise that tuition and mandatory campus fees will be covered by various forms of aid for students who qualify, including federal, state and institutional aid, as well as, external scholarships. Practically, that means your financial aid offer may include multiple components (for example: grants, scholarships, and institutional aid), and the overall package is constructed so that tuition and mandatory campus fees are fully covered for eligible students.

No. To remain eligible for the Otter Promise, Cal State Monterey Bay states that students must be full-time, taking 12 or more units per semester while maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

No, the Otter Promise does not cover summer; however, students may receive financial aid to support summer classes.

No. The Otter Promise requires the completion of either the FAFSA or the CADAA.

Your SAI is listed on your FAFSA or CADAA Submission Summary.

The Otter Promise  is dependent on state and federal student aid funding levels to continue at or near the levels offered in 2025. Cal State Monterey Bay will not guarantee students pay no tuition or mandatory campus fees if government financial aid programs are significantly reduced or eliminated.