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, established in 1989, is located in northern San Diego County, approximately 35 miles from downtown San Diego. The 304-acre campus occupies a hillside setting with Spanish-colonial inspired architecture and views of the surrounding valley. As part of the California State University system, CSUSM serves as a regional comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in nursing, business administration, and biological sciences. The campus features modern academic facilities, student housing complexes, and a recently expanded student union, with most first-year students residing in on-campus housing. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Cougars, participating in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
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% |
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