California State University, Monterey Bay

Ocean-front views are plentiful at California State University, Monterey Bay, two hours south of San Francisco. Like much of the Cal State system, CSU Monterey Bay scores high marks for being both affordable and accessible: Three-quarters of applicants get in, and more than half of the students are first-generation college students. The university boasts interesting architecture, as it was built at the location of an old Army base – some of the military buildings have been repurposed into art gallery spaces. There are just under 7,000 undergraduate students who can choose from among 25 majors, including sustainable hospitality management, Japanese language and culture, and (no surprise here) marine science. The Monterey Bay Otters participate in NCAA Division II athletics, with 13 teams competing throughout the year. Greek life is also a big part of CSUMB, with seven fraternities and nine sororities. The school's World Theater hosts student-run theater productions and concerts. The school has an environmental pedigree, too; it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. Currently, a solar panel farm on campus produces enough energy to power about 17% of the university's needs annually.