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⁠California State University (CSU) San Marcos

California State University (CSU) San Marcos (CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is a public university in San Marcos, California. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system. CSUSM offers 43 bachelor's degree programmes, 23 master's degree programmes, an Ed.D. programme and 13 teaching credentials.

United States, San Marcos
CSUSM is located in northern San Diego County and offers beautiful beaches, just an hour's drive to the mountains and desert.
Acceptance rate - 94%
Number of students - 15400 Number of students - 15400
International students - 2% International students - 2%
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#251-300 in the U.S. QS US University Rankings 2021
#22 in the West's regional university rankings U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking 2025
#12 in the ranking of top public schools U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking 2025

Quick Facts

CSUSM is located in northern San Diego County and offers beautiful beaches, just an hour's drive to the mountains and desert. CSUSM is located in northern San Diego County and offers beautiful beaches, just an hour's drive to the mountains and desert.
Acceptance rate - 94% Acceptance rate - 94%
Number of students - 15400 Number of students - 15400
International students - 2% International students - 2%

About University

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), located in north San Diego County, California, is a dynamic public university known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity and community engagement. Founded in 1989, CSUSM offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programmes in a variety of disciplines including business, science, arts and education. With approximately 17,000 students, the university fosters a close-knit community that emphasises personalised learning and hands-on experience.

CSUSM is known for its state-of-the-art campus, innovative research facilities, and its emphasis on outreach to students from unrepresented and first-generation families. The University actively partners with local industry to provide students with career opportunities that prepare them for success in a dynamic global economy.

Academic Programs

Taught in English

College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Business Administration

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Education, Health and Human Services

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

Intakes & Deadlines

Available intake periods for application

Closed

Spring 2026

Spring 2026

Deadline: 02 Dec, 2025
Closed
Closed

Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Deadline: 02 Dec, 2024
Closed
Closed

Fall 2025

Fall 2025

Deadline: 23 May, 2025
Closed
Open

Fall 2026

Fall 2026

Deadline: 23 May, 2026
Open Apply

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Basic Requirements

GPA

2.5

English Language Level

IELTS

5.5

TOEFL iBT

61

Pearson PTE

45.4

Duolingo

95

How to Enroll

Follow these steps to apply ⁠California State University (CSU) San Marcos

1

Prepare your application materials

Collect your educational credentials, personal information, and a method of payment for the $70 non-refundable entry fee.

2

Submit an online application

Complete and apply for undergraduate admission through the CSU portal, including an alternative major if desired.

3

Pay the application fee

Pay the $70 application fee online via credit card, electronic cheque or PayPal at the time of application.

4

Make sure you receive a confirmation email

Expect a confirmation letter within 2-4 weeks, which may include a request for additional documents.

5

Provide additional documents

Provide any additional documents requested to verify your academic qualifications.

6

Track the status of the application

Watch for updates on the status of your application and make sure all materials have been received by the university.

7

Receipt of enrolment decision

The admission decision will be sent electronically after all materials have been reviewed.

8

Respond to an offer of admission

Confirm your acceptance of the offer of admission and prepare for the admission process.

Cost of Study

Full breakdown of tuition and living costs

Annual tuition fee
$18,160/year
Includes academic materials
Books and educational materials (per year)
$1,060/year
Monthly transport costs (per year)
$2,882/year
Personal expenses (per year)
$3,694/year
Scholarships
• Wilson C. Riles Education Scholarship • CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement • Gregson Bautzer Scholarship • Howard C. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship • Glenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship • Fly Fishers Club of Orange County Richard Fanning • Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship • Robert M. O’dell Endowed Scholarship in Public Administration • Nathaniel R. and Valerie Dumont Scholarship • Hampton Scholars Scholarship • Real Estate Scholarship and Internship Grant

Campus Life

Facilities and student experience

• Sports Center

World-class facility

• University Student Union (USU)

World-class facility

• CSUSM Kellogg Library

World-class facility