California State University San Marcos campus

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California State University-San Marcos Student Outcomes

  • 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

Graduation Rate

Graduation Rate

Percent of students graduating within 150% of normal completion time

50% vs. 41.9% national median

Bachelor's degree within 6 years

49% vs. 58% national median
Graduation rates for California State University San Marcos
Years Percent Earning Bachelor's Degree
within 4 years 19% earned a bachelor degree
within 5 years 39% earned a bachelor degree
within 6 years 49% earned a bachelor degree

A college's graduation rate is a strong indication of its effectiveness and your potential to find success at a school. These statistics measure the percentage of first-time, full-time students who earned a bachelor degree within four, five or six years from California State University San Marcos. For comparison, approximately 58% of starting students nationally earn a bachelor's degree within six years. California State University San Marcos is less effective than average in terms of graduating students.

Post Graduation Earnings

Post Graduation Earnings

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,100 vs. $34,300 national median
Average salary after attending California State University San Marcos
Years Average Earnings
after 6 years $38,100 per year
after 7 years $41,200 per year
after 8 years $44,400 per year
after 9 years $47,300 per year
after 10 years $49,100 per year

10 years after enrolling, the average income of former California State University San Marcos students who are working and no longer in school is $49,100, which is 43% higher than the national median.

Data sources, U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / Department of Treasury

View Starting Salaries by Major

Student Loan Debt

Student Loan Debt Upon Graduation

Median Student Loan Debt for Graduates

$17,995

Percent of students receiving Federal Loans

40%

Student Loan Repayment

Median Loan Payment

$186 per month

Percent of students actively repaying their loans

66% vs. 47% national average

If you are having trouble affording your California State University-San Marcos student loan debt, explore your options.

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to California State University San Marcos often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=366711.

Earnings data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / Department of Treasury.

Last updated: August 2026