California State University-San Marcos: Is It Worth It?
San Marcos, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
14.4
Net Price/Year
$10,229
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$62,908
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$17,350
at graduation
Is California State University-San Marcos Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $62,908 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $10,229 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $40,916.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 0.7 years.
The median graduate leaves with $17,350 in debt, which represents about 28%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
95.1%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
14,877
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
54.4%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
78.6%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
333500.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$8,082
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,682
Avg Net Price
$10,229
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-San Marcos worth the money?
Based on federal data, California State University-San Marcos graduates earn a median of $62,908 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $17,350 at graduation. The ROI score is 14.4.
What do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?
The median earnings for California State University-San Marcos graduates is $48,673 six years after enrollment and $62,908 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos?
The acceptance rate at California State University-San Marcos is 95.1%.
How much debt do California State University-San Marcos graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for California State University-San Marcos students is $17,350.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.