California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About California State University
Perched on a sun warmed hillside in North County, California State University San Marcos pairs hands-on learning with a tight-knit feel. Students explore the sciences, business, education, health, and the arts. Modern labs, a bright library, and an active student union support advising, tutoring, counseling, and identity-based centers, including support for transfer and military-connected students. Public art and native landscaping add a Southern California vibe.
Campus life is lively yet laid back. Clubs and intramurals spill into trail hikes and beach runs. The culture is welcoming, with pride in first-generation success. Career prep leans local through internships in biotech, schools, clinics, nonprofits, and creative shops, plus a career center that links students with alumni in San Diego. The university is known for community partnerships that tie coursework to local needs.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos offers 49 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,791 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (7 programs, 616 graduates), Business (1 programs, 587 graduates), Health (4 programs, 494 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 320 graduates) and Biological Sciences (3 programs, 241 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (7 programs, 616 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 254 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.1101 |
| Criminology | 188 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0401 |
| Political Science and Government | 68 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Social Sciences | 63 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
| Economics | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0701 |
Business (1 programs, 587 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 587 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Health (4 programs, 494 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 325 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | 98 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0203 |
| Public Health | 66 |
|
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Communication Sciences and Disorders | 5 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.0201 |
Psychology (2 programs, 320 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 318 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 2 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
42.2814 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 241 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 167 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0101 |
| Biotechnology | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.1201 |
| Biochemistry | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 227 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 216 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0701 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 11 |
|
Master's
|
11.1003 |
Communication (2 programs, 183 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 158 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 173 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 173 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0501 |
Education (6 programs, 170 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 91 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1210 |
| General Education | 22 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 19 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Reading Teacher Education | 18 |
|
Master's
|
13.1315 |
| Bilingual and Multilingual Education | 16 |
|
Master's
|
13.0201 |
| Special Education Teaching | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 146 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 146 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos
How much does it cost to attend California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos?
The annual tuition at California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos is $7,734 for in-state students and $19,614 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $26,618 for in-state students and $38,498 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,152 (on) / $20,254 (off) and books and supplies $1,018.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does California State University, San Marcos offer?
California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos offers 49 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for California State University, San Marcos?
California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos has an 95.7% acceptance rate and a 15.7% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 17,519
- Students admitted: 16,765
- Students enrolled: 2,625
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at California State University, San Marcos?
California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,247 and average loans of $5,995.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,441
- State/Local grants: $3,087
- Institutional grants: $5,344
- Federal loans: $4,896
The university supports 1,725 students with grants and 730 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for California State University, San Marcos graduates?
California State University (CSUSM), San Marcos graduates earn a median salary of $48,673 after 6 years and $62,908 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $37,472 (25th percentile) to $87,350 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.