Government-Verified Education Data

California State University-San Marcos

Q: How much does California State University-San Marcos cost?

In-state tuition is $7,739 and out-of-state tuition is $19,619 per year.

Q: What do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $48,673 and 10 years after is $62,908.

Q: What percentage of students at California State University-San Marcos take federal loans?

29.6% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at California State University-San Marcos?

California State University-San Marcos has a total enrollment of 14,174 students (public institution). That is about 9× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at California State University-San Marcos?

Out-of-state tuition at California State University-San Marcos is $19,619 per year, compared with $7,739 for in-state students — a difference of $11,880. That is 26% below the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: How do California State University-San Marcos graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of California State University-San Marcos earn a median of $62,908 ten years after entry — 16% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 63% of ranked U.S. colleges.

San Marcos, California · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$48,673

Acceptance Rate

96%

Graduation Rate

55%

Annual Tuition

$7,739

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of California State University-San Marcos earn a median of $62,908 ten years after entry — 16% above the national median. Acceptance rate 95.7%, in-state tuition $7,739.

At a Glance

Total Students

14,174

Retention Rate

75%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

30%

Median Debt

$17,350

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

California State University-San Marcos is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 95.7% and a student population of 14,174. The in-state tuition is $7,739. The university has a graduation rate of 55.3% and a retention rate of 74.8%. The median debt for students is $17,350, and 29.6% of students receive financial aid.

Graduates of California State University-San Marcos report earnings of $42,878 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $48,673, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $62,908.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$43k

1 YEAR

$49k

5 YEARS

$63k

10 YEARS

Top 37% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, alumni from California State University-San Marcos earn $42,878. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $48,673, and after ten years, earnings reach $62,908. The median debt for graduates is $17,350. Nearly 30% of students receive financial aid.

The university has a high acceptance rate of 95.7%. The graduation rate is 55.3%, and the retention rate is 74.8%. The in-state tuition is $7,739. The total student population is 14,174.