tun for students

California State University-San Marcos Tuition and Success Analysis

California State University-San Marcos Overview

California State University-San Marcos is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in San Marcos, CA. It has an enrollment of 14,937 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 93.30%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $14,048. Tuition is $7,727.00 without financial aid.

California State University-San Marcos is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At California State University-San Marcos, 79.03% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

California State University-San Marcos has a student-to-faculty ratio of 25 to 1.

California State University-San Marcos Website

California State University-San Marcos Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 93.30%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended

  • The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
  • The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

California State University-San Marcos Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $14,048. The in-state tuition is $7,727.00. Out-of-state tuition is $19,607.00

The average tuition is:

  • $10,788, when family income is less than $30,000
  • $11,435, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 
  • $15,100, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000
  • $19,397, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000
  • $22,843, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 26.52% of students received a federal student loan and 45.23% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $19,607.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

California State University-San Marcos Net Price Calculator

California State University-San Marcos Majors/Salaries

California State University-San Marcos has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

  • Agriculture – 0.00%
  • Resources – 1.38%
  • Architecture – 0.00%
  • Ethnic cultural gender – 0.30%
  • Communication – 6.19%
  • Communications technology – 0.00%
  • Computer – 4.58%
  • Personal culinary – 0.00%
  • Education –3.04%
  • Engineering – 0.24%
  • Engineering technology – 0.00%
  • Language – 0.60%
  • Family consumer science – 6.02%
  • Legal – 0.00%
  • English – 1.93%
  • Humanities – 4.72%
  • Library – 0.00%
  • Biological – 6.95%
  • Business Marketing – 16.55%
  • Mathematics – 0.54%
  • Military – 0.00%
  • Multidiscipline – 0.24%
  • Parks recreation fitness – 4.69%
  • Philosophy religious – 0.00%
  • Theology religious vocation – 0.00%
  • Physical science – 0.60%
  • Science technology – 0.00%
  • Psychology – 8.82%
  • Security law enforcement – 0.49%
  • Public administration social service – 0.00%
  • Social science – 18.56%
  • Construction –0.00%
  • Mechanic repair technology –0.00%
  • Precision production – 0.00%
  • Transportation – 0.00%
  • Visual performing – 1.90%
  • Health – 9.82%
  • History – 1.84%

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at California State University-San Marcos here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

  • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,535
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,864
  • Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
  • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
  • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $66,941
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
  • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,775
  • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,995
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,181
  • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,600
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,937
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,382
  • Biotechnology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,891
  • Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
  • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
  • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $49,270
  • Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,397
  • Criminology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,410
  • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,319
  • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,459
  • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
  • Sociology. (Master’s Degree) – $39,927
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,917
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $88,074
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $103,555
  • Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,170
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,601
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $74,576
  • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,286
  • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,520
  • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,185
  • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,947

California State University-San Marcos Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at California State University-San Marcos

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.28%
  • Asian: 9.87%
  • Black: 3.34%
  • Hispanic: 49.07%
  • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.25%
  • Non-resident alien: 3.09%
  • Two or more races: 5.17%
  • Unknown: 3.17%
  • White: 25.75%

At California State University-San Marcos, 20.00% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

California State University-San Marcos Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos has a strong sense of school spirit, with many students actively involved on campus and in various events. The university has a number of traditions and events that bring students and alumni together and create a sense of community. For example, the university holds an annual homecoming celebration with events such as a parade, a concert, and a tailgate party. There are also over 100 student organizations on campus, including clubs for sports, cultural, academic, and service-oriented groups, allowing students to find a community that aligns with their interests. Overall, California State University-San Marcos has a vibrant student life and a strong sense of school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos offers numerous extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the most popular extracurricular activities at CSUSM are: 1. Student Government Association (SGA) 2. Greek Life organizations 3. Intramural sports teams 4. Social clubs such as Psychology Club, Biology Club, and Environmental Studies Club 5. Cultural organizations such as Black Student Union, LatinX Student Association, and Native American Student Alliance 6. Volunteer organizations like Jumpstart, which works with preschool children 7. Service clubs such as Rotaract, which focuses on community service and leadership development 8. Academic honor societies like Phi Alpha Theta (History Honors Society) and Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society). There are plenty of extracurricular activities at CSUSM to suit different interests.

How are the food choices at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos has a diverse selection of food choices on campus. The campus has several dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. The main dining hall, The Social Spot, offers a variety of cuisines, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The campus also has a Starbucks, a sushi bar, and a Mediterranean grill. Additionally, there are vending machines throughout the campus that offer snacks and beverages. Overall, students have plenty of food options at California State University-San Marcos.

Is there Greek life at California State University-San Marcos?

Yes, California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) has Greek life on campus. Currently, there are seven recognized fraternities and sororities at CSUSM under the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) governing councils. These organizations offer students opportunities for leadership, community service, academic success, social activities, and networking. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at CSUSM, you can visit the Office of Student Involvement on campus or contact the IFC or PHA councils for more information.

What is California State University-San Marcos known for?

California State University-San Marcos is known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and biological sciences. The university is also recognized for its commitment to community engagement and social justice, as well as its beautiful campus located in the hills of North San Diego County. Additionally, CSU San Marcos is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and has a diverse student population.

What are the most popular school clubs at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University, San Marcos offers a wide range of clubs that cater to students’ diverse interests. However, some of the most popular school clubs at California State University-San Marcos are: 1. Student Veterans Organization 2. Anime and Manga Club 3. Ultimate Frisbee Club 4. Association of Latin American Students 5. Alpha Phi Omega 6. American Society of Civil Engineers 7. Environmental Leadership Club 8. Biology Club 9. National Society of Black Engineers 10. College Bowl Club. Apart from these clubs, there are many more available clubs to cater to the interests of every student.

Is the campus at California State University-San Marcos safe?

California State University-San Marcos has a relatively safe campus with a low crime rate. The university has its own Police Department that provides protection and safety services to students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the university has implemented a number of security measures such as emergency phones, campus-wide alert systems, and security cameras to ensure students’ safety on campus. However, it is always important for students to remain aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions, such as traveling with a friend or utilizing the university’s safety services, to ensure their own safety.

TUN Analytics