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#20 Best Public Universities in California

California State University San Marcos

San Marcos, California

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Overview

Enrollment

15,109
California State University San Marcos overview
Location San Marcos, California
Online csusm.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Rural Fringe
California State University San Marcos overview
Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public institution that was established in 1989 and is part of the 23-school California State University system. Located in San Marcos, it is situated in a suburban setting roughly 30 miles north of San Diego, offering students the dual benefits of a smaller community environment with proximity to a major urban center. The university spans 340 acres and features contemporary architecture with state-of-the-art facilities that support its academic programs. CSUSM is known for its offerings in business, nursing, education, and the sciences. It provides both on-campus housing options and a suite of student services. With an admissions process that is considered to be moderately selective, CSUSM caters to a diverse body of over 15,000 students. This institution does not have a prominent profile in intercollegiate athletics.

In the most recent statistical year 14,774 prospective students applied, and 14,064 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 2,551 enrolled in the school.  11,975 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 3,134 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,742 plus fees of $1,991. California State University-San Marcos is ranked 836 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

4/10

Overall

3/10

Academics

3/10

Resources

7/10

Outcomes

3/10

Value

California State University-San Marcos is rated within the lower 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for California State University San Marcos within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
California State University San Marcos overview
SAT 950/1130
ACT 17/22
GPA 3.32

Applications Accepted

95.2% 
California State University San Marcos overview
Applications Due Nov 30, 2024
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $70

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$5,742
In State Costs for California State University San Marcos
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,144
Other Fees$1,991
Room and Board $13,972
Budget for Other Expenses$2,658
Total One Year Cost$25,507

Out of State Resident Tuition

$17,622
Out of State Costs for California State University San Marcos
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,144
Other Fees$1,991
Room and Board $13,972
Budget for Other Expenses$2,658
Total One Year Cost$37,387

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

49% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by California State University San Marcos students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 22%
Social Sciences 18%
Communication 12%
Liberal Arts and Humanities 9%
Work and Family Studies 7%

View All 27 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering California State University-San Marcos are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=366711 IPEDS survey data for California State University San Marcos.

Current students may use the California State University San Marcos GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024