California State University-San Marcos vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

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

University of the People is larger than California State University-San Marcos based on total student enrollment (41,961 students vs. 16,237 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University San Marcos is located in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• California State University San Marcos is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University San Marcos 24:1; University of the People 28:1.

California State University-San Marcos vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State University-San Marcos or University of the People? 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 University of the People than California State University-San Marcos ($1,575 vs. $10,241).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 85.9% lower than at California State University San Marcos ($2,001 vs. $14,152).
• California State University San Marcos is 477.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $6,682 more per year; $8,082.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,377.3% higher at California State University-San Marcos than at University of the People (about $19,282 more per year; $20,682.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the People than at California State University San Marcos (74% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University San Marcos students is 984.1% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($11,123 vs. $1,026).

California State University-San Marcos vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-San Marcos or University of the People? 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 University of the People and California State University-San Marcos.

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

California State University-San Marcos vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-San Marcos and University of the People? 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.