About
About California State University-San Marcos
California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA, known for its highly accessible admissions, masters level programs, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 95%, California State University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,551 students each year. California State University is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. California State University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,976 per year; the sticker price of $36,533 may look very different from what your family actually pays.
Admissions
California State University-San Marcos acceptance rate and admitted student profile
accessible for most qualified applicants
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Application Strategy
Strategy tips for applying to California State University-San Marcos
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Financial Aid & Cost
What California State University-San Marcos actually costs your family
Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.
| Family Income | Sticker Price | Est. Net Cost / yr |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | ~$37k/yr | $6.2k |
| 30k-48k | ~$37k/yr | $7.2k |
| 48k-75k | ~$37k/yr | $8.9k |
| 75k-110k | ~$37k/yr | $12.5k |
| 110k+ | ~$37k/yr | $18.7k |
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Outcomes & Campus