California State University-San Marcos
Public university · San Marcos, CA · 14,877 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
95%
Accessible
SAT (middle 50%)
—
ACT (middle 50%)
—
Average net price
$10,939
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$23,131
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
55%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos accepts about 95 of every 100 applicants (95%), which makes it accessible. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The latest federal data says California State University-San Marcos is test-blind (SAT and ACT scores aren’t considered), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on California State University-San Marcos's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $23,131 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $10,939 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $8,454 for CA residents and $21,774 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$8,454
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$21,774
- Room & board$15,320
- Total cost of attendance$23,131
- Average net price after grants$10,939
Popular majors
Business, Social Sciences, Health Professions & Nursing, Psychology, Parks, Recreation & Fitness.
California State University-San Marcos FAQ
- What is California State University-San Marcos's acceptance rate?
- 95% — accessible.
- Is California State University-San Marcos test-optional?
- The latest federal data says California State University-San Marcos is test-blind (SAT and ACT scores aren’t considered), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on California State University-San Marcos's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?
- About $23,131 a year before aid; $10,939 on average after grants.
- What is California State University-San Marcos's FAFSA school code?
- 030113. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so California State University-San Marcos receives your information.
- What is California State University-San Marcos's graduation rate?
- 55% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to California State University-San Marcos
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal Poly Maritime AcademyVallejo, CA | 95% | — | $17,793 | 58% |
| California State University-FresnoFresno, CA | 95% | — | $5,418 | 58% |
| California State University-Channel IslandsCamarillo, CA | 95% | — | $8,534 | 55% |
| Life Pacific UniversitySan Dimas, CA | 96% | — | $26,892 | 49% |
| Laguna College of Art and DesignLaguna Beach, CA | 94% | — | $50,349 | 60% |
| California State University-SacramentoSacramento, CA | 94% | — | $11,186 | 54% |