California State University-San Marcos logoCalifornia State University-San Marcos

    California State University-San Marcos

    San Marcos, CA · West

    California State University-San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95.1%. The numbers below show who gets in and what it costs.

    Acceptance rate
    95.1%
    Cost after aid
    $10,229
    Graduation rate
    55%

    What California State University-San Marcos says matters

    How California State University-San Marcos rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

    Acceptance rate
    93%
    293 of 314
    Yield
    12%
    36 enrolled
    SAT mid-50
    860-1113
    CDS year
    2025-26

    Acceptance rate by gender

    Men
    94%7,472 of 7,925
    Women
    96%12,099 of 12,642

    The full Common Data Set

    Every figure California State University-San Marcos published for 2025-26, section by section.

    First-Time, First-Year Admission208

    Entrance Exams

    In addition, does your institution use applicants' test scores for academic advising?
    No
    SAT
    x
    ACT
    x
    AP
    x
    CLEP
    x
    Institutional Exam
    x
    State Exam (specify):
    x
    Specify:
    Smarter Balance
    Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?
    No

    Applications

    Total first-time, first-year males who applied
    7,925
    Total first-time, first-year females who applied
    12,642
    Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who applied
    314
    Total first-time, first-year males who were admitted
    7,472
    Total first-time, first-year females who were admitted
    12,099
    Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who were admitted
    293
    Total first-time, first-year males who enrolled
    1,077
    Total first-time, first-year females who enrolled
    1,592
    Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled
    36
    Total full-time, first-time, first-year males who enrolled
    973
    Total part-time, first-time, first-year males who enrolled
    104
    Total full-time, first-time, first-year females who enrolled
    1,482
    Total part-time, first-time, first-year females who enrolled
    110
    Total full-time, first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled
    33
    Total part-time, first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled
    3
    Total first-time, first-year students who applied
    20,881
    Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted
    19,864
    Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled
    2,705
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    19,682
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    18,757
    Total first-time, first-year who enrolled
    2,630
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    986
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    924
    Total first-time, first-year who enrolled
    56
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    173
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    162
    Total first-time, first-year who enrolled
    19
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    40
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    21
    Total first-time, first-year who enrolled
    0

    Wait List

    Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?
    No

    Admissions Requirements

    High school completion requirement
    x
    Total academic units
    15
    English
    4
    Mathematics
    3
    Science
    2
    Of these, units that must be lab
    2
    Foreign language
    2
    History
    2
    Academic electives
    1
    Visual/Performing Arts
    1
    Total academic units
    16
    English
    4
    Mathematics
    4
    Science
    2
    Of these, units that must be lab
    2
    Foreign language
    2
    History
    2
    Academic electives
    1
    Visual/Performing Arts
    1

    Basis for Selection

    Academic GPA
    x

    First-time, first-year Profile

    Percent Submitting SAT Scores
    2.3%
    Percent Submitting ACT Scores
    0.4%
    Number Submitting SAT Scores
    64
    Number Submitting ACT Scores
    13
    SAT Composite: 25th Percentile
    860
    SAT Composite: 50th Percentile
    1,010
    SAT Composite: 75th Percentile
    1,113
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 25th Percentile
    450
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 50th Percentile
    520
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 75th Percentile
    570
    SAT Math: 25th Percentile
    430
    SAT Math: 50th Percentile
    475
    SAT Math: 75th Percentile
    530
    ACT Composite: 25th Percentile
    18.5%
    ACT Composite: 50th Percentile
    21%
    ACT Composite: 75th Percentile
    24%
    ACT Math: 25th Percentile
    17.3%
    ACT Math: 50th Percentile
    22%
    ACT Math: 75th Percentile
    25%
    ACT English: 25th Percentile
    17.3%
    ACT English: 50th Percentile
    19.5%
    ACT English: 75th Percentile
    20.8%
    ACT Writing: 25th Percentile
    NA
    ACT Writing: 50th Percentile
    NA
    ACT Writing: 75th Percentile
    NA
    ACT Science: 25th Percentile
    19%
    ACT Science: 50th Percentile
    24%
    ACT Science: 75th Percentile
    24%
    ACT Reading: 25th Percentile
    18.5%
    ACT Reading: 50th Percentile
    22%
    ACT Reading: 75th Percentile
    26.8%
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800
    0.016
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699
    0.159
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599
    0.349
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499
    0.397
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 300-399
    0.079
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-299
    0
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total
    1
    SAT Math: 700-800
    0.047
    SAT Math: 600-699
    0.078
    SAT Math: 500-599
    0.266
    SAT Math: 400-499
    0.5
    SAT Math: 300-399
    0.094
    SAT Math: 200-299
    0.016
    SAT Math: Total
    1
    SAT Composite: 1400-1600
    0.016
    SAT Composite: 1200-1399
    0.111
    SAT Composite: 1000-1199
    0.381
    SAT Composite: 800-999
    0.413
    SAT Composite: 600-799
    0.063
    SAT Composite: 400-599
    0.016
    SAT Composite: Total
    1
    ACT Composite: 30-36
    0
    ACT Composite: 24-29
    0.308
    ACT Composite: 18-23
    0.462
    ACT Composite: 12-17
    0.231
    ACT Composite: 6-11
    0
    ACT Composite: Below 6
    0
    ACT Composite: Total
    1
    ACT English: 30-36
    0
    ACT English: 24-29
    0.154
    ACT English: 18-23
    0.538
    ACT English: 12-17
    0.308
    ACT English: 6-11
    0
    ACT English: Below 6
    0
    ACT English: Total
    1
    ACT Math: 30-36
    0
    ACT Math: 24-29
    0.308
    ACT Math: 18-23
    0.385
    ACT Math: 12-17
    0.308
    ACT Math: 6-11
    0
    ACT Math: Below 6
    0
    ACT Math: Total
    1
    ACT Reading: 30-36
    0.154
    ACT Reading: 24-29
    0.231
    ACT Reading: 18-23
    0.385
    ACT Reading: 12-17
    0.231
    ACT Reading: 6-11
    0
    ACT Reading: Below 6
    0
    ACT Reading: Total
    1
    ACT Science: 30-36
    0
    ACT Science: 24-29
    0.5
    ACT Science: 18-23
    0.333
    ACT Science: 12-17
    0.167
    ACT Science: 6-11
    0
    ACT Science: Below 6
    0
    ACT Science: Total
    1
    Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class
    NA
    Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class
    NA
    Percent in top half of high school graduating class
    NA
    Percent in bottom half of high school graduating class
    NA
    Percent in bottom quarter of high school graduating class
    NA
    Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school class rank:
    NA
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA below 1.0
    NA
    Total
    0
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    NA
    Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99
    NA
    Percent who had GPA below 1.0
    NA
    Total
    0
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    6.6%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    14%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    17%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    20%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    18%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    22%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    4.0%
    Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99
    0
    Percent who had GPA below 1.0
    0
    Total
    1.003
    Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:
    3.316
    Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:
    100%

    Admission Policies

    Does your institution have an application fee?
    Yes
    Amount of application fee:
    70
    Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?
    Yes
    Can on-line application fee be waived for applicants with financial need?
    Yes
    Does your institution have an application closing date?
    Yes
    Application closing date (fall): Month
    2026-02-28 00:00:00
    Application closing date (fall): Day
    2026-02-28 00:00:00
    Priority Date: Month
    2026-12-31 00:00:00
    Priority Date: Day
    2026-12-31 00:00:00
    Are first-time, first-year students accepted for terms other than the fall?
    No
    Yes, on a rolling basis:
    x
    Beginning date: Month
    2025-11-01 00:00:00
    Beginning date: Day
    2025-11-01 00:00:00
    Must reply by (date)
    x
    Date: Month
    2025-05-01 00:00:00
    Date: Day
    2025-05-01 00:00:00
    Deadline for housing deposit (MMDD):Month
    NA
    Deadline for housing deposit (MMDD): Day
    NA
    Amount of housing deposit:
    0
    Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?
    No
    Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?
    No
    Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?
    No
    Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?
    No
    Transfer Admission42

    Fall Applicants

    Does your institution enroll transfer students? (If no, please skip to Section E)
    Yes
    If yes, may transfer students earn advanced standing credit by transferring credits earned from course work completed at other colleges/universities?
    Yes
    Males
    2,678
    Females
    3,666
    Unknown
    175
    Total
    6,519
    Males
    2,312
    Females
    2,943
    Unknown
    155
    Total
    5,410
    Males
    936
    Females
    1,161
    Unknown
    57
    Total
    2,154

    Application for Admission

    Fall
    x
    Spring
    x
    Must a transfer applicant have a minimum number of credits completed or else must apply as an entering first-year student?
    No
    College transcript(s)
    x
    If a minimum high school grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):
    2
    If a minimum college grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):
    2
    List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:
    The following college level courses must be completed with a C or better for enrollment: Math, English, Speech, and Critical Thinking
    Fall Priority Date: Month
    2026-12-31 00:00:00
    Fall Priority Date: Day
    2026-12-31 00:00:00
    Spring Priority Date: Month
    2026-08-30 00:00:00
    Spring Priority Date: Day
    2026-08-30 00:00:00
    Fall Closing Date: Month
    2026-02-28 00:00:00
    Spring Closing Date: Month
    2026-11-14 00:00:00
    Fall Rolling Admission
    x
    Spring Rolling Admission
    x
    Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?
    No
    Report the lowest grade earned for any course that may be transferred for credit:
    1

    Transfer Credit Policies

    Maximum number of credits or courses that may be transferred from a two-year institution:
    70
    Maximum number of credits or courses that may be transferred from a two-year institution:
    semester units
    Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:
    120
    Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:
    semester units
    American Council on Education (ACE)
    Yes
    College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    Yes
    DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
    Yes
    Number
    30
    Unit Type
    semester units
    Are the military/veteran credit transfer policies published on your website?
    Yes
    If yes, please provide the URL where the policy can be located:
    https://www.csusm.edu/enroll/records_resources/transfercreditevaluation/ace_military_credit/index.html
    Academic Offerings and Policies22

    Special Study Options

    Accelerated program
    x
    Cross-registration
    x
    Distance learning
    x
    Double major
    x
    Dual enrollment
    x
    English as a Second Language (ESL)
    x
    Exchange student program (domestic)
    x
    Independent study
    x
    Internships
    x
    Liberal arts/career combination
    x
    Student-designed major
    x
    Study abroad
    x
    Teacher certification program
    x
    Undergraduate Research
    x

    Required Course Work

    Arts/fine arts
    x
    English (including composition)
    x
    Foreign languages
    x
    History
    x
    Humanities
    x
    Mathematics
    x
    Sciences (biological or physical)
    x
    Social science
    x
    Student Life33

    Percent Participating

    Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator)
    2.0%
    Percent of males who join fraternities
    0.8%
    Percent of females who join sororities
    0.8%
    Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
    51%
    Percent who live off campus or commute
    49%
    Percent of students age 25 and older
    0.7%
    Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator)
    1.0%
    Percent of males who join fraternities
    2.5%
    Percent of females who join sororities
    4.1%
    Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
    13%
    Percent who live off campus or commute
    87%
    Percent of students age 25 and older
    18%

    Average Age

    Average age of full-time students
    18
    Average age of all students (full- and part-time)
    18
    Average age of full-time students
    22
    Average age of all students (full- and part-time)
    22

    Activities Offered

    Campus Ministries
    x
    Choral groups
    x
    Concert band
    x
    Dance
    x
    Drama/theater
    x
    International Student Organization
    x
    Jazz band
    x
    Music ensembles
    x
    Student government
    x
    Student newspaper
    x

    ROTC

    Army ROTC is offered:
    x
    Name of Cooperating Institution
    University of San Diego (USD)
    Name of Cooperating Institution
    San Diego State University (SDSU)

    Housing

    Coed residence halls
    x
    Apartments for single students
    x
    Theme housing
    x
    Living Learning Communities
    x
    Annual Expenses33

    Information

    Please provide an approximate date (i.e., month/day) when your institution's final 2026-2027 academic year costs of attendance will be available:
    2026-05-01 00:00:00

    Public Tuition

    Tuition: In-district
    6838
    Tuition: In-state (out-of-district):
    6838
    Tuition: Out-of-state:
    20968
    Tuition: Nonresident
    20968
    Tuition: In-district
    6838
    Tuition: In-state (out-of-district):
    6838
    Tuition: Out-of-state:
    20968
    Tuition: Nonresident
    20968

    All Institutions Expenses

    Required Fees:
    2496
    Food and housing (on-campus):
    15388
    Housing Only (on-campus):
    12020
    Food Only (on-campus meal plan):
    3368
    Required Fees:
    2496
    Food and housing (on-campus):
    15388
    Housing Only (on-campus):
    12020
    Food Only (on-campus meal plan):
    3368

    Credits per Term

    Minimum
    7

    Tuition Policies

    Do tuition and fees vary by year of study (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior)?
    No
    Do tuition and fees vary by undergraduate instructional program?
    No

    Estimated Expenses

    Books and supplies:
    1136
    Transportation:
    1656
    Other expenses:
    3352
    Books and supplies:
    1136
    Food only:
    3332
    Transportation
    2834
    Other expenses:
    3352
    Books and supplies:
    1136
    Housing only:
    15248
    Food only:
    7854
    Food and housing total*
    23102
    Transportation:
    2992
    Other expenses:
    3352
    Financial Aid39

    Reporting Year

    Academic Year
    x

    Methodology

    Federal methodology (FM)
    x

    Need-based Aid Awarded

    Total Scholarships/Grants
    0
    Total Self-Help
    0

    Non-need-based Aid Awarded

    Total Scholarships/Grants
    0
    Total Self-Help
    0

    Students Awarded Aid

    A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort)
    2,488
    A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort)
    13,028
    A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort)
    2,575

    Graduating Cohort

    Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.
    1,303

    Aid to Nonresidents

    Institutional need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
    x
    Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
    x

    Financial Aid Forms

    Other (specify):
    x
    FAFSA
    x
    State aid form
    x

    Financial Aid Deadlines

    Priority date for filing required financial aid forms:
    x
    Priority date for filing required financial aid forms: Month
    2025-05-02 00:00:00
    Priority date for filing required financial aid forms: Day
    2025-05-02 00:00:00
    No deadline for filing required forms (applications processed on a rolling basis)
    x

    Financial Aid Notification

    b) Students notified on a rolling basis:
    x
    If yes, starting date (Month):
    2025-03-29 00:00:00
    If yes, starting date (Day):
    2025-03-29 00:00:00

    Aid Available

    Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
    x
    Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
    x
    Federal Direct PLUS Loans
    x
    State Loans
    x
    College/university loans from institutional funds
    x
    Federal Pell Grants
    x
    Federal SEOG
    x
    State scholarships/grants
    x
    Private scholarships
    x
    College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds
    x

    Institutional Aid

    Academics
    x
    Athletics
    x
    Leadership
    x
    State/district residency
    x
    Academics
    x
    Athletics
    x
    Leadership
    x
    Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred41

    Diploma/Certificates

    TOTAL (should = 100%)
    0

    Associate

    TOTAL (should = 100%)
    0

    Bachelors

    Agriculture
    0
    Natural resources and conservation
    0.011
    Architecture
    0
    Area, ethnic, and gender studies
    0.003
    Communication/journalism
    0.04
    Communication technologies
    0
    Computer and information sciences
    0.049
    Personal and culinary services
    0
    Education
    0.031
    Engineering
    0.014
    Engineering technologies
    0
    Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics
    0.013
    Family and consumer sciences
    0.025
    Law/legal studies
    0
    English
    0.019
    Liberal arts/general studies
    0.047
    Library science
    0
    Biological/life sciences
    0.064
    Mathematics and statistics
    0.007
    Military science and military technologies
    0
    Interdisciplinary studies
    0.004
    Parks and recreation
    0.07
    Philosophy and religious studies
    0
    Theology and religious vocations
    0
    Physical sciences
    0.004
    Science technologies
    0
    Psychology
    0.09
    Homeland Security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services
    0.005
    Public administration and social services
    0
    Social sciences
    0.175
    Construction trades
    0
    Mechanic and repair technologies
    0
    Precision production
    0
    Transportation and materials moving
    0
    Visual and performing arts
    0.03
    Health professions and related programs
    0.103
    Business/marketing
    0.177
    History
    0.018
    TOTAL (should = 100%)
    100%
    Enrollment And Persistence158

    Institutional Enrollment

    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: males
    973
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: males
    721
    All other degree-seeking: males
    3,650
    Total degree-seeking: males
    5,344
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: males
    0
    Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: males
    5,344
    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: males
    104
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: males
    215
    All other degree-seeking: males
    836
    Total degree-seeking: males
    1,155
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: males
    62
    Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: males
    1,217
    Total undergraduate students: males
    6,561
    Degree-seeking, first-time: males
    95
    All other degree-seeking: males
    112
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: males
    40
    Degree-seeking, first-time: males
    40
    All other degree-seeking: males
    74
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: males
    3
    Total graduate Part-Time Students: males
    117
    Total All Full-Time Students: Males
    5,591
    Total All Part-Tim Students: Males
    1,334
    Total All Students: males
    6,925
    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: females
    1,482
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: females
    892
    All other degree-seeking: females
    4,995
    Total degree-seeking: females
    7,369
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: females
    3
    Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: females
    7,372
    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: females
    110
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: females
    269
    All other degree-seeking: females
    973
    Total degree-seeking: females
    1,352
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: females
    88
    Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: females
    1,440
    Total undergraduate students: females
    8,812
    Degree-seeking, first-time: females
    210
    All other degree-seeking: females
    291
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: females
    109
    Degree-seeking, first-time: females
    75
    All other degree-seeking: females
    140
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: females
    7
    Total graduate Part-Time Students: females
    222
    Total Full-Time Students: Females
    7,982
    Total Part-Tim Students: Females
    1,662
    Total All Students: females
    9,644
    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: Unknown
    33
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: Unknown
    44
    All other degree-seeking: Unknown
    238
    Total degree-seeking: Unknown
    315
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown
    0
    Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: Unknown
    315
    Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: Unknown
    3
    Other first-year, degree-seeking: Unknown
    13
    All other degree-seeking: Unknown
    52
    Total degree-seeking: Unknown
    68
    All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown
    14
    Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: Unknown
    82
    Total undergraduate students: Unknown
    397
    Degree-seeking, first-time: Unknown
    8
    All other degree-seeking: Unknown
    19
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown
    8
    Degree-seeking, first-time: Unknown
    6
    All other degree-seeking: Unknown
    4
    All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown
    1
    Total graduate Part-Time Students: Unknown
    11
    Total Full-Time Students: Unknown
    350
    Total Part-Time Students: Unknown
    93
    Total All Students: Unknown
    443
    Total all undergraduates
    15,770
    Total all graduate
    1,242
    Grand Total All Students
    17,012

    All

    Total graduate Full-Time Students: males
    247
    Total graduate Full-Time Students: females
    610
    Total graduate Full-Time Students: Unknown
    35

    Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

    Nonresidents
    21
    Hispanic/Latino
    1,525
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    145
    White, non-Hispanic
    580
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    7
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    175
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    8
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    203
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    41
    TOTAL
    2,705
    Nonresidents
    148
    Hispanic/Latino
    8,031
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    661
    White, non-Hispanic
    3,750
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    46
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    1,366
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    57
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    1,079
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    465
    TOTAL
    15,603
    Nonresidents
    151
    Hispanic/Latino
    8,099
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    663
    White, non-Hispanic
    3,799
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    46
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    1,387
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    57
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    1,092
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    476
    TOTAL
    15,770

    Persistence

    Bachelor's degrees
    3,406
    Master's degrees
    450

    Graduation Rates

    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    1,084
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    219
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    828
    Total
    2,131
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    0
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    0
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    0
    Total
    0
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    1,084
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    219
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    828
    Total
    2,131
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    279
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    53
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    273
    Total
    605
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    223
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    50
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    159
    Total
    432
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    70
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    14
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    49
    Total
    133
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    572
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    117
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    481
    Total
    1,170
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    0.528
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    0.534
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    0.581
    Total
    0.549
    Total
    0
    Total
    0
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    0
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    0
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    0
    Total
    0
    Total
    0
    Total
    0
    Total
    0
    Total
    0
    Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
    #DIV/0!
    Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant
    #DIV/0!
    Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan
    #DIV/0!
    Total
    #DIV/0!
    2022 Cohort
    0
    2021 Cohort
    0

    Retention Rates

    Report the number of all first-time, full-time, bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree-seeking undergraduate students who entered in Fall 2024 (or the preceding summer term).
    2,473
    From this group, identify how many were still enrolled at your institution as of the official enrollment date in Fall 2025.
    1,956
    Calculate the percentage of the Fall 2024 entering cohort who remained enrolled on the official census date.
    79%
    Instructional Faculty And Class Size49

    Instructional Faculty

    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    419
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    147
    C. Total number who are females
    254
    D. Total number who are males
    165
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    23
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    328
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    83
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    8
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    0
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    7
    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    477
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    157
    C. Total number who are females
    281
    D. Total number who are males
    196
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    2
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    151
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    295
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    29
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    2
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    10
    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    896
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    304
    C. Total number who are females
    535
    D. Total number who are males
    361
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    25
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    479
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    378
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    37
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    2
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    17

    Student to Faculty Ratio

    Fall 2025 Student to Faculty ratio
    25.6
    based on ____ students
    14,534
    and ____ faculty
    568

    Undergraduate Class Size

    2-9
    27
    10-19
    152
    20-29
    623
    30-39
    590
    40-49
    364
    50-99
    74
    100+
    48
    Total
    1,878
    2-9
    0
    10-19
    30
    20-29
    6
    30-39
    0
    40-49
    0
    50-99
    0
    100+
    0
    Total
    36
    Source: California State University-San Marcos's Common Data Set 2025-26

    About California State University-San Marcos

    California State University-San Marcos is a mid-sized public university in San Marcos, CA, in a city setting.

    What California State University-San Marcos looks for

    California State University-San Marcos admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

    Frequently asked

    • What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos?

      California State University-San Marcos admits roughly 95% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

    • What does California State University-San Marcos actually cost after financial aid?

      Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $10,229 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

    • Is California State University-San Marcos a reach, match, or safety for me?

      Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat California State University-San Marcos as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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