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California State University-San Marcos logo

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, California

$11k/yearCost after aid
Nov 14Application deadline

FindU Grade

A-Value
N/ACampus
BAcademics
C-Admissions
BStudent Life
BOverall

About

California State University-San Marcos is located in San Marcos, California. The university enrolls approximately 14,174 students.

csusm.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value
$11kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$7,739
Out-of-state tuition$19,619
Room & board$14,152
Avg aid package$10,247
Students receiving aid44%
Pell grant recipients44%

Cal State San Marcos offers a strong value proposition with a net price around $10,500 and 79% of students receiving financial aid. In-state tuition is approximately $7,739, while out-of-state tuition is $19,619, making it an accessible option for many students. The average total aid awarded is $10,247, helping to offset the cost of education.

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Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate96%
Average GPA3.15
Student–faculty ratio21:1
Application fee$70

Application dates

Regular DecisionNov 14

CSUSM has a relatively high acceptance rate of 96%, making it accessible to many applicants. The university looks for students who are prepared to engage in a forward-focused institution dedicated to preparing future leaders. While not explicitly stated, a holistic review process likely considers academic achievements, personal qualities, and a commitment to community engagement.

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Academics

Graduation rate55%
Retention rate75%
Student–faculty ratio21:1
Full-time faculty48%

CSUSM offers a technologically sophisticated and community-engaged academic environment. With a focus on hands-on, real-world curriculum and applied research, the university fosters creativity and innovation. The faculty is highly qualified, with many holding advanced degrees and demonstrating a passion for their subjects, creating a welcoming and student-oriented atmosphere.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$62,908
Avg starting salary$41,000
Job placement rate94%
Earn more than HS grad75%
Economic mobility210%
Loan default (3 yr)3%
Loan repayment (3 yr)67%

CSUSM prepares students for thriving careers, particularly in high-demand fields such as business, supply chain management, and public health. The university's curriculum is finely tuned to align with these career opportunities, and many graduates find employment in the local community. A STEM degree from CSUSM can also extend post-graduation stay in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years.

Student life

Demographics

Large School
14,174Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 58%Male 42%
51% HispanicRacial diversity
Hispanic 51%White 25%Asian 10%Black 4%Other 10%
Campus housingYes

CSUSM provides a welcoming and inclusive campus environment with a strong sense of community. With over 100 student organizations and 25 Greek Life chapters, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved. The university is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution, fostering cultural variety and a supportive atmosphere.

Student reviews

Professors

Student

CSUSM is a small commuter school with limited course offerings and inconsistent instructional quality. Advising support is minimal, and scheduling bottlenecks can delay graduation. Some professors lack transparency or alignment with undergraduate expectations, especially in upper-division courses. The school prioritizes compliance over innovation, and student feedback often goes unaddressed. While affordable and accessible for local residents, CSUSM may not meet the needs of students seeking strong academic structure or personalized support. Results heavily depend on instructor quality and student self-management.

Campus and vibes

Student

Since applying and being accepted into CSUSM, I can confidently say it’s been the best decision ever. The staff and students are extremely helpful with any questions. In each of my classes the teachers have all made the class fun to learn and made me want to attend each time.

About California State University-San Marcos

CSUSM is recognized as the safest four-year university in California, with an extremely low crime rate. The University Police Department operates 24/7 and is committed to building relationships with the campus community. The campus also has an Emergency Management system and offers workshops on sexual assault and relationship abuse.

CSUSM offers honors programs designed to provide a rigorous learning environment for academically motivated students. These programs focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills, with hallmarks including a community of diverse scholars and intellectual engagement. Programs like the MARC U*STAR program prepare underrepresented students for doctoral studies in biomedical research.

CSUSM welcomes international students and offers support through organizations like Global Connections. The university has been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for 11 consecutive years. International students can find a haven and guidance in their studies, making CSUSM a welcoming place for a global community.

Endowment$33,548,472
Avg faculty salary$129,960

California State University-San Marcos FAQ

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California State University-San Marcos admits about 96% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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