California State University-San Marcos vs. Grace Mission University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University San Marcos in San Marcos, CA with Grace Mission University in Fullerton, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University San Marcos is larger than Grace Mission University based on total student enrollment (16,237 students vs. 301 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University San Marcos is located in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Grace Mission University is in Fullerton, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University San Marcos is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grace Mission University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University San Marcos 24:1; Grace Mission University 19:1.

California State University-San Marcos vs. Grace Mission University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State University-San Marcos or Grace Mission University? 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 35.9% lower than at Grace Mission University ($14,152 vs. $22,086).
• California State University San Marcos is 139.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grace Mission University (about $4,712 more per year; $8,082.00 vs. $3,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 513.7% higher at California State University-San Marcos than at Grace Mission University (about $17,312 more per year; $20,682.00 vs. $3,370.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University San Marcos than at Grace Mission University (71% vs. 0%).

California State University-San Marcos vs. Grace Mission University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-San Marcos or Grace Mission University? 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 Grace Mission University and California State University-San Marcos.

• Grace Mission University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University San Marcos 950/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University San Marcos 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State University-San Marcos - Test-free; Grace Mission University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-San Marcos Nov 30, 2026.

California State University-San Marcos vs. Grace Mission University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-San Marcos and Grace Mission University? 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).

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.