California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's degrees · Suburb
Overall Grade
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About California State University-San Marcos
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is a public university in San Marcos, California, United States. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system. CSUSM offers 43 bachelor's degree programs, 24 master's degree programs, 8 credential programs, and 1 joint doctoral with the University of California, San Diego. CSUSM is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and also Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,431 students in fall 2024. In 2024, the university had 284 tenured faculty. The Cal State San Marcos Cougars compete in NCAA Division II as a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
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95%
Acceptance
$10,229
Net price
14,877
Enrollment
55%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
95%
Acceptance rate
—
SAT average
—
ACT midpoint
Cost & Financial Aid
$10,229
Average net price
$8,082
In-state tuition
$20,682
Out-of-state tuition
$14,152
Room & board
$1,061
Books & supplies
$21,649
Total cost of attendance
43%
Students receiving Pell grants
28%
Students with federal loans
$17,350
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$62,908
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$48,673
Median earnings (6 yrs)
55%
Graduation rate
79%
Retention rate
81%
Earn more than a HS grad
$8,419
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
14,877
Total enrollment
16%
Part-time
23
Avg. age at entry
48%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
California State University-San Marcos FAQ
Is California State University-San Marcos a public or private school?
California State University-San Marcos is a public institution located in San Marcos, CA.
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?
The average annual net price at California State University-San Marcos is $10,229 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $8,082 in-state and $20,682 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at California State University-San Marcos?
About 55% of students at California State University-San Marcos complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Marcos students earn a median of $62,908 per year.
How many students attend California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos enrolls about 14,877 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Eamuscatuli at English Wikipedia · Public domain. Additional images are representative.
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