California State University-San Marcos vs University of California-Riverside
3
California State University-San Marcos
4
University of California-Riverside
Key Metrics Compared
Official Data| Metric | California State University-San Marcos | University of California-Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 63% |
| Graduation Rate | 55% | 76% |
| Avg Earnings (5yr) | $48,673 | $48,593 |
| Median Debt | $17,350 | $17,500 |
| Tuition (In-State) | $7,739 | $14,170 |
| Retention Rate | 75% | 88% |
| Financial Aid | 30% | 33% |
Comparison Analysis
California State University-San Marcos and University of California-Riverside have similar graduate earnings. San Marcos graduates earn $48,673, while Riverside graduates earn $48,593. Riverside has a higher graduation rate at 76.3%, compared to San Marcos's 55.3%. San Marcos has a significantly higher acceptance rate of 95.7%, while Riverside's acceptance rate is 63.3%.
Tuition costs differ significantly between the two schools. San Marcos has a tuition of $7,739, which is considerably less than Riverside's tuition of $14,170.
The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. San Marcos offers a lower-cost education with similar earnings potential, but Riverside has a higher graduation rate. Prospective students should consider their likelihood of graduating and their budget when making a decision.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Shared Programs
| Shared Major | California State University-San Marcos Earnings | University of California-Riverside Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,543 | $43,213 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $84,450 | $43,213 |
| Biology, General | $38,527 | $26,863 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,543 | $0 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,543 | $0 |
| Sociology | $34,541 | $29,367 |
| Biology, General | $0 | $26,863 |
| Sociology | $0 | $29,367 |
| Economics | $40,155 | $37,149 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,341 | $23,203 |