San Marcos, CA

California State University-San Marcos

Photo of California State University-San Marcos
Location
San Marcos, CA
Public / private
Public
Undergraduate enrollment
14,877
Acceptance rate
95%
In-state tuition
$8,082/yr
Out-of-state tuition
$20,682/yr
Average net price
$10,229/yr
Students receiving Pell Grants
43%
Completion rate
55%
Median earnings (10 yrs after entry)
$62,908

Frequently asked questions

Common questions prospective students and families ask about California State University-San Marcos.

What percentage of first-year students return to California State University-San Marcos for a second year?

About 75% of first-time, full-time students who start at California State University-San Marcos return for their second year, a commonly used early signal of student satisfaction and fit.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos reports a student-to-faculty ratio of about 21:1.

Is California State University-San Marcos test-optional? Do I need to submit SAT/ACT scores?

California State University-San Marcos reports that SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended as part of undergraduate admission.

What academic programs does California State University-San Marcos offer?

California State University-San Marcos offers programs including Accounting and Related Services, Anthropology, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Biology, General, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Management and Operations, Business/Commerce, General, and 54 more programs.

What is California State University-San Marcos known for?

California State University 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.

Where is California State University-San Marcos located?

California State University-San Marcos is located in San Marcos, CA, in a suburb setting.

Is California State University-San Marcos a public or private institution?

California State University-San Marcos is a public institution.

How many undergraduate students attend California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos enrolls approximately 14,877 undergraduate students.

What is the undergraduate admission rate at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos admits approximately 95% of undergraduate applicants.

What does it cost to attend California State University-San Marcos?

The total cost of attendance at California State University-San Marcos is about $21,649 per year. Published tuition is about $8,082 for in-state students and $20,682 for out-of-state students. The average net price actually paid, after grants and scholarships, is about $10,229.

What share of students at California State University-San Marcos receive Pell Grants?

About 43% of students at California State University-San Marcos receive a federal Pell Grant, a commonly used marker of how many lower-income students the institution serves.

What is the graduation/completion rate at California State University-San Marcos?

About 55% of first-time, full-time students complete a degree within 150% of normal time (e.g. 6 years for a 4-year program) at California State University-San Marcos.

What do graduates of California State University-San Marcos typically earn?

Former students of California State University-San Marcos report median earnings of about $62,908 ten years after entry.

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