California State University San Marcos campus

credit : Rennett Stowe | license

California State University-San Marcos Demographics & Diversity

  • 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

Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

High

Racial Diversity Index: 68%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at California State University-San Marcos are predominantly Hispanic with a significant White population. The school has high racial diversity. 70% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

California State University San Marcos has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is eligible for federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve Hispanic Americans.

Racial demographics of California State University San Marcos students
Race Percent of Students
White
30%
Black
3%
Hispanic
42%
Asian
10%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
International
2%
Race Unknown
5%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 49%

There are 42% more female students than male students enrolled at California State University San Marcos with a gender ratio of 59% women to 41% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, California State University-San Marcos has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for California State University San Marcos students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
41%
Women
59%
Enrollment by gender for California State University San Marcos students
Gender Number of Students
Men
6,721
Women
9,516

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Extremely Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 3%

California State University-San Marcos draws 97 percent of students from California, 2 percent from other states, and 1 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside California, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for California State University San Marcos students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
97%
Out of State
2%
Foreign
1%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$72,827 per year

46% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

16,237
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 17.9%
Part-time undergraduates 16%

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.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026