# California State University-San Marcos

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-san-marcos

## Overview

- **Location:** San Marcos, CA
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Suburban
- **Region:** Far West
- **Enrollment:** 14,877
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's
- **Hispanic-Serving Institution:** Yes

With an acceptance rate of 95%, California State University-San Marcos is an accessible option for many students looking to pursue a degree in popular fields like Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, or Biology & Biomedical. The school caters to individuals seeking a supportive learning environment where they can explore their interests and grow academically. This welcoming atmosphere is particularly appealing to those who may be the first in their families to attend college or those looking to switch careers.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $62,908 within ten years, which speaks to the value of the education they receive here. Many graduates find themselves in a better financial position than they were before college, which suggests that the degree can indeed translate to upward mobility. With nearly half of the student population receiving Pell Grants, the school demonstrates a commitment to affordability and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

Looking at the practical side of things, the net price after financial aid stands at $10,229, which is reasonable compared to many other institutions. The median debt for graduates is $17,350, making it manageable for many. Students who thrive here often appreciate a community-oriented atmosphere and are driven to succeed, ready to take advantage of the opportunities that a degree from CSUSM can offer.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 95% |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 |
| Average Net Price | $10,229 |
| Median Debt | $17,350 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 43% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 28% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $6,230 |
| $30K-$48K | $7,240 |
| $48K-$75K | $8,928 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $18,734 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 54% |
| Retention Rate | 79% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $48,673 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $57,040 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $62,908 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.28x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.58 |
| Friending Bias | 0.03 |
| Volunteering Rate | 4.4% |
| Support Ratio | 0.96 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Social Sciences | 18% |
| Business & Marketing | 16% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 6% |
| Computer Science & IT | 6% |
| Communications | 5% |
| Humanities | 4% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 5 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #38 in [Best Communications Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-california)
- #43 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-california)
- #43 in [Best Data Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-california)
- #43 in [Best MBA Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-california)
- #45 in [Best Nursing Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-california)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "California State University-San Marcos — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-san-marcos