Overview
Enrollment
| Location | San Marcos, California |
| Online | csusm.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
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.
#836 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#313 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#51 in Best Colleges in California
#20 in Best Public Colleges in California
#240 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 950/1130 |
| ACT | 17/22 |
| GPA | 3.32 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| 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
| 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 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Social Sciences | 18% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Work and Family Studies | 7% |
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Students considering California State University-San Marcos are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about California State University San Marcos.
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