Lincoln University vs. California State University-San Marcos

Comparable Facts

Compare Lincoln University in Oakland, 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 Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (16,237 students vs. 436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lincoln University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); California State University San Marcos is in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lincoln 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: Lincoln University 15:1; California State University San Marcos 24:1.

Lincoln University vs. California State University-San Marcos Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lincoln University 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 Lincoln University are 40.6% lower than at California State University San Marcos ($8,400 vs. $14,152).
• Lincoln University is 62.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-San Marcos (about $5,068 more per year; $13,150.00 vs. $8,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.3% higher at California State University-San Marcos than at Lincoln University (about $7,532 more per year; $20,682.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University San Marcos than at Lincoln University (71% vs. 0%).

Lincoln University vs. California State University-San Marcos Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lincoln University 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 Lincoln University.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Lincoln University - Open admission; California State University-San Marcos - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lincoln University Jul 13, 2027; California State University-San Marcos Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman California State University-San Marcos students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.32) than students at Lincoln University (2.6).

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

How do outcomes compare for Lincoln University 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than California State University San Marcos's (49%).
• More California State University-San Marcos graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.