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MANAGEMENT
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CSUSM's Brand Hub
Color Palette

CSUSM's official color palette. Use these consistently across all university materials — print, digital, and environmental.
Brand Hub

Primary Palette

  • University Blue
  • HEX #002E5A
    RGB 0 46 90
    CMYK 100 53 0 65
    PANTONE 295
Foundation of our institutional identity. Use as the dominant color in most layouts to convey strength, stability, and excellence.
  • Cougar Blue
  • HEX #0062A5
    RGB 0 70 122
    CMYK 100 62 07 01
    PANTONE 301
Supports and reinforces the core brand structure. Use to build visual hierarchy — represents connection and momentum.

  • Spirit Blue
  • HEX #00AEEF
    RGB 0 174 239
    CMYK 100 0 0 0
    PANTONE 299
Use sparingly. Used to draw attention, accessorize calls to action, and create emphasis. Brings vibrancy, energy, and optimism — do not replace the primary blues.

Secondary Palette

  • Rich Black
  • HEX #222222
    RGB 0 0 0
    CMYK 60 40 40 100
    PANTONE Neutral Black
Provides legibility and contrast. Primarily used for body text where readability is critical.
  • 85 Gray
  • HEX #47484D
    RGB 71 72 77
    CMYK 0 0 0 85

Subtle supporting color ideal for backgrounds, dividers, and secondary content areas.
  • 20 Gray
  • HEX #EFF0F0
    RGB 239 240 240
    CMYK 0 0 0 20

Lightest neutral for subtle backgrounds and section separators. Organizes information without competing with brand colors.
  • White
  • HEX #FFFFFF
    RGB 255 255 255
    CMYK 0 0 0 0

Provides legibility and contrast. Primarily used for body text where readability is critical.

 

Accessibility Guidelines
To ensure compliance with federal and state laws, all text and background color combinations for CSUSM designs must have a color contrast of 4.5:1 or higher.  

Review suggested brand color combinations

Questions about the brand?

University Communications is here to help — whether you need a logo file, brand approval, or guidance on these guidelines.



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