Overview
California State University San Marcos was founded in 1989 as the newest campus in the California State University system at the time, established to meet the growing higher education needs of North San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County. Since its founding, the university has grown rapidly from a small commuter campus into a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. CSUSM has built a reputation for strong applied learning opportunities, community engagement, and a commitment to student success, particularly for first-generation and historically underserved students.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | San Marcos, California |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Total students | 14,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 24:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 82% |
| Graduation rate | 62% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $7,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,500 |
| Room & board | $15,800 |
| Average financial aid | $13,200 |
| Students receiving aid | 78% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.35 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Criminology and Justice Studies
- Kinesiology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.