AJU vs. California State University-San Marcos

Comparable Facts

Compare American Jewish University in Los Angeles, CA with California State University San Marcos in San Marcos, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University San Marcos is larger than AJU based on total student enrollment (16,237 students vs. 424 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American Jewish University is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); California State University San Marcos is in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• American Jewish University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University San Marcos is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American Jewish University 10:1; California State University San Marcos 24:1.

AJU vs. California State University-San Marcos Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AJU or California State University-San Marcos? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University San Marcos are 4.8% lower than at American Jewish University ($14,152 vs. $14,864).
• American Jewish University is 288.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-San Marcos (about $23,312 more per year; $31,394.00 vs. $8,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.8% higher at AJU than at California State University San Marcos (about $10,712 more per year; $31,394.00 vs. $20,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University San Marcos than at American Jewish University (71% vs. 0%).

AJU vs. California State University-San Marcos Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AJU or California State University-San Marcos? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between California State University-San Marcos and AJU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCalifornia State University San Marcos 950/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCalifornia State University San Marcos 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AJU - Not reported; California State University-San Marcos - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-San Marcos Nov 30, 2026.

AJU vs. California State University-San Marcos Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AJU and California State University-San Marcos? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University San Marcos's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than American Jewish University's (44%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University San Marcos graduates have a $755 lower median loan debt than AJU graduates ($17,995 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, California State University-San Marcos graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AJU graduates ($186 vs. $193).
• More California State University-San Marcos graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AJU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.