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College Info
6 items available
At a glance
- Type
- private
- Founded
- 1989
- Programs indexed
- 77
- World ranking (directory)
- #2026
Official website
www.csusm.edu/USAQS #13 World📊 Live dataCatalogue complete
California State University San Marcos
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university located in San Marcos, California. It is part of the California State University system and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, with numerous research centers and labs. CSUSM is also committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment, with a student population that reflects the diversity of the community it serves.
Key Facts
Last full enrichment: 8 Jun 2026
Live portal snapshot
US News & World Report #30 · 2026Forbes #31 · 2026US News & World Report #30 · 2025US News & World Report #203 · 2024
- Living Costs (estimated): $1,150
- Tuition (International): $17,989
- Living Costs (estimated): $1,850
- Application Fee: $70
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Campus Vibe
Urban, 200 acres
California State University San Marcos offers a vibrant urban campus life with a diverse student body and a strong focus on academic rigor. The campus is spread over 200 acres, providing ample space for students to engage in various activities and events.
Internationally DiverseLarge Community
8/10
Diversity
9/10
Academic Rigor
7/10
City safety (heuristic)
7/10
Social scene
Weather: Varies widely by state
Living costs: Research local rent and transport for your intake year
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Career Outcomes
$63,039 avg starting salary
Estimated outcomes score (heuristic): 8/10
Graduates from California State University San Marcos have an average starting salary of $63,039. The university offers a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, including general, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies.
Popular fields
GeneralUndergraduatePostgraduate
Top Recruiters
DeloittePwCAmazonLocal Enterprises
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Student Life
25,000 students (5,000 international)
Campus: Urban, 200 acres
Location: California, United States
Climate: Varies widely by state
Research local rent and transport for your intake year
The university has a student population of 25,000, providing a large community for students to connect and engage with. The city of San Marcos offers a safe and lively nightlife, enhancing the overall student experience.
LibrarySports ComplexResearch LabsStudent HousingCafeteria
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Application Insider
Acceptance rate: 45.5%
IELTS: Overall 6.5
Application fee: $70
When to apply: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school
The acceptance rate at California State University San Marcos is 45.5%. The best time to apply is between December and March for the fall semester, with rolling admissions varying by school.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting generic SOPs — tailor your story to 2–3 program-specific points
- Missing document certified translations where required
- Applying in the final round without buffer for visa timelines
- Ignoring conditional offers — respond before the deadline in the portal
💡IELTS requirement: Overall 6.5
💡Application fee: 70
💡Acceptance rate: 45.5%
💡Latest cutoff: IELTS 6.0
💡Typical apply window for United States: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school
