California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California 92096-0001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
California State University-San Marcos is a public institution in San Marcos with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A large campus of 14.2K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
54% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,908 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,550.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Cougars
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1969, the chancellor of the CSU system, Glenn S.
- •Craven won $250,000 in state funding for a North County satellite campus of San Diego State University, which opened at Lincoln Junior High School in Vista with an enrollment of 148 students.
- •In 1982, the satellite moved to larger quarters in an office building on Los Vallecitos Boulevard in San Marcos.
- •In September 1985, Senate Bill 1060, introduced by Craven, passed, appropriating $250,000 for a feasibility study on building a university in North County.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
70.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,500
Programs (84)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
100
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + suburban adjustment