California State University--San Marcos

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Quick Stats
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road

San Marcos, CA 92096-0001

[map]
Phone: (760) 750-4000
2011-2012 Tuition
$6,596
in-state
$17,756
out-of-state
Students
8,841
enrolled
39%
male /
61%
female
Admissions
40.8%
accepted

More Information

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category
U.S. News rank Category Name
#76 Regional Universities (West)

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Summary

California State University--San Marcos is a public institution that was founded in 1989. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,841, its setting 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 2012 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities (West), 76. Its in-state tuition and fees are $6,596 (2011-12); out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,756 (2011-12).

School mission (as provided by the school):

California State University San Marcos focuses on the student as an active participant in the learning process. Students work closely with a faculty of active scholars and artists, whose commitment to sustained excellence in teaching, research, and community partnership enhances student learning. The University offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs distinguished by exemplary teaching, innovative curricula, and the application of new technologies. Cal State San Marcos provides a range of services that respond to the needs of a student body with diverse backgrounds, expanding student access to an excellent and affordable education. As a public university, Cal State San Marcos grounds its mission in the public trust, alignment with regional needs, and sustained enrichment of the intellectual, civic, economic, and cultural life of our region and state.

General Information

School type public, coed college
Year founded 1989
Religious affiliation N/A
Academic calendar semester
Setting suburban
2010 Endowment N/A

Applying

Interested in applying to California State University--San Marcos? Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due February 1. The application fee at California State University--San Marcos is $55. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 40.8 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

Selectivity selective
Fall 2010 acceptance rate 41%
Application deadline N/A
SAT/ACT scores must be received by February 1

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at California State University--San Marcos is 24:1, and the school has 26.9 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 73.0 percent.

Class sizes
Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 24:1
4-year graduation rate 14% - Low
Five most popular majors for 2010 graduates
Information not available

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Student Life

California State University--San Marcos has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,841, with a gender distribution of 39.2 percent male students and 60.8 percent female students. California State University--San Marcos is part of the NAIA athletic conference.

Total enrollment 9,389
Student gender distribution
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity N/A
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority N/A
Collegiate athletic association NAIA

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Campus Info & Services

California State University--San Marcos offers a number of student services including women's center, placement service, day care, and health service. California State University--San Marcos also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at California State University--San Marcos.

Students who have cars on campus N/A
Health insurance offered No
Students required to own/lease a computer No

More About Campus Info & Services

Paying for School

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.

In-state tuition and fees $6,596 (2011-12)
Out-of-state tuition and fees $17,756 (2011-12)
Room and board $10,863 (2011-12) - High
Financial aid statistics N/A

More About Paying for School

* Overview details based on 2010 data

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