Loma Linda University vs. California State University-San Marcos

Comparable Facts

Compare Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, 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 Loma Linda University based on total student enrollment (16,237 students vs. 4,210 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loma Linda University is located in Loma Linda, CA (Large Suburban setting); California State University San Marcos is in San Marcos, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Loma Linda 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: Loma Linda University 3:1; California State University San Marcos 24:1.

Loma Linda University vs. California State University-San Marcos Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between California State University San Marcos and Loma Linda University ($8,082.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between California State University-San Marcos and Loma Linda University ($20,682.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University San Marcos than at Loma Linda University (71% vs. 0%).

Loma Linda University vs. California State University-San Marcos Admissions comparison

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

• Loma Linda University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresCalifornia State University San Marcos 950/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresCalifornia State University San Marcos 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loma Linda University - Open admission; California State University-San Marcos - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-San Marcos Nov 30, 2026.

Loma Linda University vs. California State University-San Marcos Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loma Linda University and California State University-San Marcos? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• California State University San Marcos's six-year graduation rate is 49%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Loma Linda University.
• Graduates from Loma Linda University earn a median of about $42,900 more per year than California State University-San Marcos graduates about ten years after starting college ($92,000 vs. $49,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University San Marcos graduates have a $1,545 lower median loan debt than Loma Linda University graduates ($17,995 vs. $19,540).
• Among borrowers, California State University-San Marcos graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loma Linda University graduates ($186 vs. $202).
• More Loma Linda University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California State University-San Marcos students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 66%)

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.