California State University - San Marcos - Niche
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California State University - San Marcos
blue checkmark
  • 4 Year
  • SAN MARCOS, CA

Report Card

grade B
Overall Niche Grade
  1. Academics
    grade B minus
  2. Value
    grade A minus
  3. Diversity
    grade A minus
  4. Campus
    grade A minus
  5. Athletics
    grade B minus
  6. Party Scene
    grade B minus
  7. Professors
    grade B minus
  8. Location
    grade B+
  9. Dorms
    grade B+
  10. Campus Food
    grade unavailable
  11. Student Life
    grade B+
  12. Safety
    grade A minus

editorial

Cal State San Marcos is an above-average public university located in San Marcos, California in the San Diego Area. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 11,144 undergraduate students. The Cal State San Marcos acceptance rate is 93%. Popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Nursing. Graduating 57% of students, Cal State San Marcos alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $37,800.

About

333 S TWIN OAKS VALLEY RD
SAN MARCOS, CA 92096
Athletic Division
NCAA Division II (without football)
Athletic Conference
California Collegiate Athletic Association

California State University - San Marcos Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

CSUSM Admissions

Acceptance Rate
93%
Application Deadline
November 30
SAT Range
950-1130
ACT Range
17-22
Application Fee
$70
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No data available  

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Cost

Net Price
$14,296 / year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$9,298 / year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
77%

Scholarship

Academics

Professors
grade B minus
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
22:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
72%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes. 132 responses
39%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want. 159 responses
53%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage. 158 responses

Majors

Online

Programs Offered Entirely Online
1
Offers Online Courses
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
0
Online Associates Programs
0
Online Bachelor's Programs
1
How Students Learn
  • Mix of Online and on Campus
    40%
  • On Campus
    54%
  • Online
    6%

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
11,144 Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
2,770
Undergrads Over 25
19%
Pell Grant
48%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 113 responses
  • Balances work and school and family.
    34%
  • Commuter who needs to balance work, school, family
    20%
  • Most people need to multitask to pay for school.
    13%
  • Busy stressed hard working
    7%
  • College broke
    6%
  • Part-time job with car, apartment, and bills
    6%
  • Friendly!
    5%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
No data available  
Poll
51%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join. 168 responses
Poll
66%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life. 204 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 136 responses
  • Great atmosphere, you'll love the stairs.
    31%
  • Great school. It is growing
    19%
  • Commuter school
    16%
  • Great school
    13%
  • Diverse
    6%
  • Quiet
    6%
  • No perks
    3%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$47,300 / year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
57%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
76%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. 92 responses

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Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,887 reviews
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