California State University-San Marcos vs. Homestead Schools

Comparable Facts

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

California State University San Marcos is larger than Homestead Schools based on total student enrollment (16,237 students vs. 158 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University San Marcos is located in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Homestead Schools is in Torrance, CA (Midsize City setting).
• California State University San Marcos is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Homestead Schools is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University San Marcos 24:1; Homestead Schools 15:1.

California State University-San Marcos vs. Homestead Schools Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University San Marcos than Homestead Schools ($10,241 vs. $15,962).
• In-state tuition differs between California State University San Marcos and Homestead Schools ($8,082.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between California State University-San Marcos and Homestead Schools ($20,682.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Homestead Schools than at California State University San Marcos (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University San Marcos students is 123.6% larger than aid received by Homestead Schools students ($11,123 vs. $4,975).

California State University-San Marcos vs. Homestead Schools Admissions comparison

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

• Homestead Schools 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; Homestead Schools - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-San Marcos Nov 30, 2026.

California State University-San Marcos vs. Homestead Schools Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-San Marcos and Homestead Schools? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Homestead Schools graduates have a $923 lower median loan debt than California State University-San Marcos graduates ($17,072 vs. $17,995).
• Among borrowers, Homestead Schools graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California State University-San Marcos graduates ($176 vs. $186).
• More California State University-San Marcos graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Homestead Schools students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 36%)

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.