California State University--San Marcos

School Overview

California State University--San Marcos is located in San Marcos, CA, and offers a distinctive educational experience. It holds the #23 position in Regional Universities West (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #13 in Top Public Schools. The school features a suburban setting and serves 14,977 undergraduate students. Admissions are accessible, with an acceptance rate of 95%. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.3. With a 1 day, 0:01:00 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 13% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Social Sciences (18%), Business and Management (16%), and Health Professions (11%). Graduates in Social Sciences earn a median salary of $63,814 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $10,774. Approximately 28% of students complete their degree within four years. The application deadline is Jan. 31. The institution provides a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can develop both academically and personally while building valuable skills.