California State University San Marcos

4/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
San Marcos, CA
4.0 1 review

#20 Best Public Universities in California

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

16,237

Location San Marcos, California
Website csusm.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Rural Fringe

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

California State University-San Marcos is rated within the lower 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10.

Overall Rating

4 out of 10
Academics

3 out of 10
Resources

3 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

4 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for California State University San Marcos within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

GPA 3.32

Acceptance Rate

95.1%

Applications Due Nov 30, 2026
Enrollment Rate 14%
Application Fee $70

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$8,082

Out of State Resident Tuition

$20,682

Breakdown

Tuition $8,082
Books and Supplies $1,061
Other Fees $1,998
Room and Board $14,152
Budget for Other Expenses $3,713
Total One Year Cost $29,006

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

49% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at California State University San Marcos are Business, Social Sciences, and Communication. 22% of students major in Business, 18% in Social Sciences, and 12% in Communication.