California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, California

PublicBachelor's to graduateFounded 1989Large suburbSEVP certified

About

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is a public university in San Marcos, California, United States. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system. CSUSM offers 43 bachelor's degree programs, 24 master's degree programs, 8 credential programs, and 1 joint doctoral with the University of California, San Diego. CSUSM is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and also Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,431 students in fall 2024. In 2024, the university had 284 tenured faculty. The Cal State San Marcos Cougars compete in NCAA Division II as a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Cost per year

Tuition and fees (out of state): US$21,774
Estimated total for international students: US$36,451
Tuition and fees (in state, for comparison): US$8,454
Total cost for in-state students: US$23,131

Net price calculatorcalstate.edu

International students at public universities pay the out-of-state rate. The estimated total adds housing, food and books to that tuition; it is derived from Scorecard figures, so check the university's own cost page.

Students

Undergraduates: 14,877
Graduate students: 1,260
International undergraduates: 1%
Students per teacher: 24 to 1

Admissions

Admission rate: 95%

Test scores show the middle 50% of admitted students.

Outcomes

Graduation rate: 55%
Median earnings 10 years after starting: US$67,217

Earnings are for students who received US federal aid, so they may not reflect international graduates.

Programmes (89)

Bachelor's degrees51 subjects

Accounting and Related ServicesAnthropologyApplied MathematicsBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular BiologyBiology, GeneralBiotechnologyBusiness Administration, Management and OperationsBusiness/Commerce, GeneralCell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical SciencesChemistryCommunication Disorders Sciences and ServicesCommunication and Media StudiesComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceComputer Systems AnalysisComputer and Information Sciences, GeneralCriminologyDrama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftEcology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population BiologyEconomicsElectrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringEnglish Language and Literature, GeneralEthnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group StudiesFinance and Financial Management ServicesFire ProtectionGeography and CartographyHistoryHuman Development, Family Studies, and Related ServicesInternational BusinessInternational Relations and National Security StudiesInternational/Globalization StudiesLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and HumanitiesLinguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and ServicesManagement Information Systems and ServicesMarketingMathematicsMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies, OtherMusicNatural Resources Conservation and ResearchPhysicsPhysiology, Pathology and Related SciencesPolitical Science and GovernmentPsychology, GeneralRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingRomance Languages, Literatures, and LinguisticsSocial Sciences, GeneralSociologySports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasVisual and Performing Arts, General

Master's degrees24 subjects

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural EducationBiology, GeneralBiotechnologyBusiness Administration, Management and OperationsChemistryCommunication Disorders Sciences and ServicesComputer ScienceComputer/Information Technology Administration and ManagementCurriculum and InstructionEducation, GeneralEducational Administration and SupervisionEducational/Instructional Media DesignEnglish Language and Literature, GeneralHistoryMathematicsPsychology, GeneralPublic HealthRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingRomance Languages, Literatures, and LinguisticsSocial WorkSociologySpecial Education and TeachingSports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Doctoral degrees1 subject

Educational Administration and Supervision

Post-baccalaureate certificates2 subjects

Clinical, Counseling and Applied PsychologyRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduate certificates11 subjects

Accounting and Related ServicesClinical, Counseling and Applied PsychologyClinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied ProfessionsCommunication Disorders Sciences and ServicesEnvironmental/Natural Resources Management and PolicyHealth Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, GeneralHealth/Medical Preparatory ProgramsRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingSpecial Education and TeachingTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Subjects and degree levels reported to the US Department of Education. See the university's course catalogue for course-by-course details.