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About

About California State University-San Marcos

highly accessible admissionsmasters level programshealth sciences focuslarge public university

California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA, known for its highly accessible admissions, masters level programs, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 95%, CSUSM is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,551 students each year. CSUSM is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. CSUSM offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,976 per year; the sticker price of $36,533 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California State University-San Marcos acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

95%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.50 unweighted

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California State University-San Marcos

Application Strategy
CSUSM admits the vast majority of applicants, so your GPA and completion of A-G requirements are the real gatekeepers here. Double-check that you have met all California State University eligibility requirements before submitting, since academic preparation matters far more than any other factor at this school.
Application Strategy
If you have a specific major in mind, look into CSUSM's specialized programs like the College of Business Administration or the School of Nursing early, because some programs have separate application steps or limited enrollment that require extra planning beyond the standard CSU application.

Financial Aid & Cost

What California State University-San Marcos actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$6.2k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$7.2k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$8.9k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$12.5k
110k+~$37k/yr$18.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

54%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$49k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
27:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
12,701
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

52%Hispanic
24%White
9%Asian
6%Two or More Races
4%Black / African American
3%Unknown / Unreported
1%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender43% Men · 57% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
CSUSM, San Marcos Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch