California State University-San Marcos — College Profile

About

Located in the scenic foothills of northern San Diego County, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is a modern public institution renowned for its premier School of Nursing and standout programs in business administration, biotechnology, and kinesiology. The university features an inclusive, community-engaged campus culture marked by a diverse student body, an active designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and robust support for first-generation learners. CSUSM uniquely distinguishes itself through its strong emphasis on undergraduate research, regional workforce pipelines, and national recognition as one of the country's top military-friendly universities.

Wikipedia:California State University San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, California, United States. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system.

Location

San Marcos, CA, 92096-0001 · Suburb campus

✈

Nearest airport from college

SAN · San Diego

27 mi away

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Cost

In-state COA

$21,649

Out-of-state COA

$34,249

Avg net price

$10,229

Room & board

$14,152

In-state tuition

$8,082

Out-of-state tuition

$20,682

Books & supplies

$1,061/yr

Average net price by family income

$0–30k

$6,230

$30–48k

$7,240

$48–75k

$8,928

$75–110k

$12,525

$110k+

$18,734

Admissions

Admit rate

95%

Test policy

Not required

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Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes

Graduation rate

54%

4-yr on-time completion

28%

1st-yr retention

79%

Transfer-out rate

8-year outcomes

Graduated

61%

Transferred

25%

Still enrolled

Dropped out / unknown

13%

Median earnings (6yr)

$48,673

Median earnings (10yr)

$62,908

Median debt

$17,350

Monthly loan payment

$184

Debt range (25th–75th)

$5,500–$23,340

Debt (90th percentile)

$31,000

Student Body

Men 43%Women 57%

Student : Faculty ratio

■Students ■ Faculty

Pell grant recipients

43%

First-generation

48%

Median family income

$31,282

Independent students

34%

Veterans

Avg age at entry

23.0

Part-time students

16%

Race & ethnicity

White

24%

Hispanic

52%

Black

Asian

Two or more

Non-resident

Unknown

Programs & Earnings

Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings

Median earnings for graduates across all programs

6 years after entry

$48,673

10 years after entry

$62,908

Business Administration, Management and Operations471

Psychology, General315

Sociology295

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing278

Criminology234

Communication and Media Studies201

Biology, General188

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness164

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services163

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities155

Computer Science152

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods117

Visual and Performing Arts, General76

English Language and Literature, General74

History73

Political Science and Government63

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Institutional

Endowment

$37M

Classification

Master's (Large)

Undergraduate profile

Four-year, inclusive admissions

Full-time faculty

46%

Avg faculty salary

$12,046/mo

Instructional spend/student

$8,419