California State University-San Marcos is a public institution that was created in 1989. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 13,962 (fall 2020), its environment is suburban, and the campus size is 304 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. California State University-San Marcos’s ranking in the 2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #41. Its in-state tuition and fees are $7,712; out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,216.
The California State University System is a network of nine universities throughout the state of California. Each school has its unique history and character, but they all share the goal of providing quality education to graduates who are successfully prepared for the workforce. The CSU system also offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs at all nine campuses, as well as master’s and doctoral degree programs through five CSU campuses: Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Northridge, and San Marcos.
Although each campus has very different strengths, there are some common characteristics and values that bind them together. These include an overall emphasis on student success, an environment that is both supportive and diverse, and a commitment to teaching that is rigorous and relevant.
The California State University system is the largest in the state, with 23 campuses across the state. In addition to offering quality education, each campus has its website that includes information about the school, academic programs, and financial aid.
The CSU system has been recognized as one of the top public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. With this recognition comes great responsibility: The CSU system is faced with increasing enrollment numbers and maintaining an excellent education and financial aid services to students.
California State University-San Marcos Rankings
- #41 in Regional Universities West (tie)
- #19 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
- #9 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
California State University-San Marcos Admissions
California State University-San Marcos has a 79 percent acceptance rate for new students. Cal State San Marcos accepts half of its applicants who have an SAT score of between 950 and 1130, or an ACT score between 17 and 22 on the ACT. However, one-quarter of those who were admitted received scores that were above these limits, and one-quarter received scores that were below these ranges. The deadline for applications is November 30, and the application fee for California State University-San Marcos is $70 per applicant.
California State University-San Marcos Transfer Acceptance
In previous years, California State University-San Marcos received 8933 transfer applicants. The school accepted 4504 students. Therefore, the transfer acceptance rate for California State University-San Marcos, Extended Learning is 50.42%. This shows how competitive it is to transfer to California State University-San Marco
California State University-San Marcos Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at California State University—San Marcos is $7,712 for in-state students and $17,216 for out-of-state students, according to the school’s website. When compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition, which is $11,331, California State University-San Marcos is a better value for money. Students who come from out of state will find that the tuition is less expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition, which is $27,028, according to the College Board.
Both tuition and fees are included in these statistics, which are commonly referred to as the “sticker price.” Fees vary from institution to institution and may be used to support library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health clinics, among other things.
When comparing the expenses of different institutions, keep in mind to compare the overall cost as well as the net price. Room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are included in the total cost, which includes the sticker price plus any additional costs. It is the average cost of attending the institution after financial aid and scholarship money have been deducted from the overall cost of attendance.
FAQs
Where can I go for help if I’m having a technical problem with my application to CSU?
The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center provides answers to a wide range of frequently asked concerns regarding the application process, including how to begin, fill out, submit, and monitor your CSU application.
Is it necessary for me to send my application to each campus to which I am applying?
When you submit your online application, you will be given the option of selecting the campus(es) and program(s) to which you wish to apply.
How much does it cost to apply?
For Winter 2019 and Spring 2020, you must pay a $55 application fee for each admissions application that you submit. For the Fall 2020 semester, the cost will increase to $70. This charge is non-refundable and cannot be applied to a future period of enrollment.
What are the fundamental conditions for graduate student admission?
Applicants for graduate or postbaccalaureate studies at a California State University campus must meet the minimum standards outlined in the university’s regulations as well as in Title 5, chapter 1, subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. You will be eligible for admission if you meet the following criteria:
have graduated from an institution certified by a regional accrediting association with an acceptable baccalaureate degree, or have completed equivalent academic preparation as assessed by the appropriate campus authorities;
- you have maintained a high level of academic performance at your previous college or university
- have achieved a baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of at least 2.5 in an eligible program;
- in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted, you must have earned a grade point average of 2.5 (A = 4.0);
- and meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other requirements for graduate study, including qualifying tests and particular course and/or grade prerequisites, as determined by the relevant campus authority.
In exceptional situations, a school may grant an exception to these requirements.
Where can I go for help if I’m having a technical problem with my application to CSU?
Answers to frequent questions concerning starting, filling out, submitting, and monitoring your application to California State University can be found at the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center.
What is the procedure for applying?
To apply for admission to California State University, you must complete the Undergraduate Application for Admission. To apply, please visit this page.
When should I submit my application?
For your convenience, we’ve provided a list of the initial filing period dates for you to use when submitting your application to CSU. A few campuses may accept applications after the first application period on a space-available basis, depending on the number of applications received.
You must file within the initial filing period if you are a student in a high-demand (impacted) major. All applicants are highly advised to submit their applications during the initial filing period to maximize their chances of being accepted to their preferred institution.
What happens if I don’t file my paperwork during the initial filing period?
Some colleges and universities will continue to accept applications after the first filing deadline has ended, while others will not. In addition, if you are applying to a high-demand (impacted) major at any CSU school, you must submit your application during the initial filing period to be considered. Check the application status page for the campus(es) in which you are interested to find out more about application filing times, closed majors, and impacted programs, among other things.
Is it necessary for me to send my application to each campus to which I am applying?
When you finish your online application, you will be given the option of selecting the campus(es) and program(s) to which you wish to apply. Paper applications must be submitted to the admission office at each of the campuses to which you wish to apply, and they must be received by the deadline. The mailing addresses for the various campuses are included in the application brochure. The online submission of your admission application is the preferred method submitting your application.
How much does it cost to apply?
For Winter 2019 and Spring 2020, you must pay a $55 application fee for each admissions application that you submit. For the Fall 2020 semester, the cost will increase to $70. This charge is non-refundable and cannot be applied to a future period of enrollment.
What should I do if I am unable to pay the application fee?
Residents of California who are experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for a limited number of application fee waivers from their respective colleges. The amount of the fee waiver is determined automatically based on the information you provide during the application procedure.
If you are eligible for the fee waiver, you will be notified at the time of your online application. To qualify for application fee waivers, students must be enrolled as undergraduates in California and must use a maximum of four fee waivers per term.
What other documents, in addition to the application, will I be required to submit?
You will be notified by the institution to which you are applying when it is time to submit your official college transcripts. Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes from the colleges that you have attended directly from them. Please refer to the transfer student application checklist for a complete list of the materials you should have on hand when applying to CS U.
When will I hear back from the campus after I’ve submitted my application?
The length of time it takes for you to hear back about your application varies from university to campus. In all situations, you should receive notification from the university that your application has been received and is being handled within a few weeks of filing it. It is conceivable that your application will not be processed; in this case, you will be contacted as soon as it is feasible.
When will I find out whether I’ve been accepted?
Notification of acceptance to students is done differently in each school, according to their schedule. Some colleges and universities begin alerting candidates of an admission decision as soon as they receive their application and all required documentation. Other colleges and universities notify all candidates on a specific day.
It is not uncommon for many months to elapse between the time you submit your application and the time you get an admission decision.
Is it automatic that I will be eligible for accommodation once I have been admitted?
No, the housing application is different from the rest of the applications. When you submit your application for admission, make sure to contact the campus housing office to get information on available housing options, as space on certain campuses is limited.
