California State University-San Marcos
About California State University-San Marcos
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CSUSM is a public university in San Marcos, California, in northern San Diego County. It is one of the newer CSU campuses and offers programs in business, nursing, education, and the sciences with a focus on community engagement.
Founded
1989
Location
San Marcos, California
Students
16,137
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
95.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
54.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,082
Out-of-state: $20,682
Avg Net Price
$10,229
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$62,908
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 31
California State University-San Marcos accepts the majority of applicants at 95.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
54.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.6%
4-Year Grad
19%
6-Year Grad
59%
Teaching Quality
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
46.3%
$/Student
$8.4K
Class Size
Large
The 19% graduation rate is below average, but 78.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,082
In-State
$20,682
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,152
Books & Supplies
$1,061
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,649
After Financial Aid
$10,229
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,230
Receive Grants
42.6%
Take Loans
28.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,649/yr for in-state students, including $14,152 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $10,229. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,682.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-San Marcos fund their education.
While in School
42.6%
Get Grants
Free money
28.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$31,282
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,350
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$184/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 28.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,350. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-San Marcos.
Gender
57.5%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
14,877
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,260
Graduates
48.3%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
17.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 48.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
14,877
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-San Marcos fields 7 varsity teams with 398 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
398
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
40% / 60%
158
Men
240
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-San Marcosearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,908
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$50K
471 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
315 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$35K
295 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$104K
278 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminology
$35K
234 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$36K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $49K at six years, $47K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-San Marcos
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos?▾
How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-San Marcos?▾
How much do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.