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California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, California — 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, 92096-0001

Annual Tuition $7,739
Enrollment 14,174
Acceptance Rate 95.7%
Median Salary $62,908

California State University-San Marcos is a leading Public institution located in San Marcos, California. Established to provide high-quality education, California State University-San Marcos offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

California State University-San Marcos Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 6/25/1990
Location San Marcos, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 14,174 students
Median Salary $62,908

California State University-San Marcos — Institution Overview

Institution Name California State University-San Marcos
Location San Marcos, California
Official Website https://www.csusm.edu/
Address 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Institution Type Public
Total Students 14,174

California State University-San Marcos Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 95.7% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

California State University-San Marcos Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $7,739
Out-of-State Tuition $19,619
Pell Grant Rate 43.6%
Median Debt (Completers) $17,350

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

California State University-San Marcos cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $6,812/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $7,246/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $9,980/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $13,773/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $6,812 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from California State University-San Marcos, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after California State University-San Marcos

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $103,555 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $119,753 4yr: $114,276
2

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after California State University-San Marcos

Bachelor's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $88,074 median/yr
Median debt $25,047 at graduation
Salary/debt 352% ROI ratio
1yr: $103,799 4yr: $94,706
3

Business Administration, Management and Operations. salary after California State University-San Marcos

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $74,576 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $84,450 4yr: $88,868

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

California State University-San Marcos Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

95.7% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 14,174
Undergrad 12,989
Retention Rate 74.8% full-time
Full-Time Students 83.4%

Courses and Academic Programs at California State University-San Marcos

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,223
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 639
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 634
Criminology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 544
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 529
Sociology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 522
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 509
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 380
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Bachelor's
Graduates 359
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 358
Showing top 10 of 57 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at California State University-San Marcos

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $62,908 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $48,673
Graduation Rate 54.2% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — California State University-San Marcos
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $48,673
10 Years After Entry $62,908
Is California State University-San Marcos Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $10,550
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $62,908
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 333500%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at California State University-San Marcos

Total Students 14,174
Undergrad 12,989
Graduate 1,185
Retention Rate 74.8% full-time

Gender Breakdown

58.4%
41.7%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 83.4%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

Hispanic
51.3%
White
24.9%
Asian
9.6%
Two or More Races
6%
Black
3.8%
Unknown / Unreported
2.9%
International
0.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 48.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 70%
🎖️
Veterans 0.6%
💍
Married Students 9.6%
📅
Students Age 25+ 17.8%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 48.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $72,827
Average Family Income $47,275
Median Family Income $31,282

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

40.4%
59.6%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at California State University-San Marcos

California State University-San Marcos participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 43.6% of students
Federal Loan Rate 29.6% of students
Avg Net Price $10,550 after aid
Median Debt $17,350 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $17,350
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $23,340

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact California State University-San Marcos's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

California State University-San Marcos Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 6/25/1990
4-Year Graduation Rate 54.2%
Median Graduate Salary $62,908
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms California State University-San Marcos meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for California State University-San Marcos

Frequently Asked Questions about California State University-San Marcos

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95.7%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at California State University-San Marcos?

Tuition at California State University-San Marcos is $7,739 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of California State University-San Marcos?

Graduates of California State University-San Marcos earn a median salary of $62,908 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is California State University-San Marcos located?

California State University-San Marcos is located at 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, California 92096-0001. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.