California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public
*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →
What is California State University-San Marcos's acceptance rate?
Up 37.3 percentage points since 2018
With a 95.7% acceptance rate, California State University-San Marcos is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.
How many students apply to California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos received 17,519 applications in 2023, down 1% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.
How many admitted students enroll?
The yield rate of 16% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.
What are the most popular majors at California State University-San Marcos?
Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at California State University-San Marcos. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.
How have majors changed over time?
Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023
How has tuition changed at California State University-San Marcos?
Out-of-state tuition has increased by 6% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 12% from $29,320 to $32,742.
How much do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn by major?
Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $88,074 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.
California State University-San Marcos Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)
Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17,519 | 16,765 | 95.7% | 15.7% |
| 2022 | 14,774 | 14,064 | 95.2% | 18.1% |
| 2021 | 13,986 | 13,049 | 93.3% | 18.5% |
| 2020 | 15,413 | 12,241 | 79.4% | 18.4% |
| 2019 | 17,349 | 10,699 | 61.7% | 21.0% |
| 2018 | 17,649 | 10,311 | 58.4% | 24.0% |
| 2017 | 16,514 | 9,374 | 56.8% | 26.7% |
| 2016 | 15,366 | 7,965 | 51.8% | 27.0% |
| 2015 | 13,718 | 7,413 | 54.0% | 29.7% |
Is California State University-San Marcos worth it?
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What do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?
Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $9,800 while the top 10% earn $86,600. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.
How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?
The total cost of attendance at California State University-San Marcos is approximately $32,742 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.
What You'll Actually Pay
Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.
What are the top majors?
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 5 Criminology
Which majors pay the most?
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $88,074
- Computer Science $71,015
- Physics $57,318
- Accounting and Related Services $55,286
- Finance and Financial Management Services $49,520
Who attends California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos enrolls 15,431 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 59% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.
How much financial aid is available?
65% of students receive some form of financial aid at California State University-San Marcos. About 44% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.
How much do professors earn?
Faculty salaries at California State University-San Marcos are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.
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