California State University San Marcos is a public university that was established in 1989 and is located in San Marcos, California. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 11,000 students and over 300 faculty members. It is one of the newest of the 23 campuses of the California State University system.
Mission/Vision
The mission of California State University San Marcos centers on the student in its goal to make them a key participant in the learning process. The programs offered by the university are rigorous but designed to give the student the best learning experience provided by a capable and well-trained staff. The institution combines innovation, exemplary teaching and an affordable education to meet the needs of its diverse student body.
Campus Setting
The California State University San Marcos campus is located in San Marcos, a suburban community in the area of northern San Diego County. The expansive campus is 35 miles north of San Diego and just minutes away from the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Located in the foothills of San Marcos, recreational, entertainment and dining activities abound in the surrounding San Diego metropolitan area.
Academics
California State University San Marcos consists of four colleges that include the College of Business Administration; the College of Education, Health and Human Services; the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences; and the College of Science and Mathematics. Bachelor’s degrees can be obtained from 62 majors, Master’s degrees are offered in 15 majors, teaching credentials in 13 different areas and the university offers the doctoral degree in education.
Athletics
Known as the Cougars, the athletic teams at California State University San Marcos compete as part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university competes as an independent school in men’s basketball, baseball, track and field, golf and soccer. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, volleyball, golf, soccer, softball and track and field.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Annual tuition at California State University San Marcos is $5,472 for California residents. Non-resident tuition is $14,400. Housing costs averages about $8,100 per year on campus and $7,400 per year off campus. Additional costs include books, student fees and meal plan cost. Financial aid is available and includes scholarships, loans, federal and state grants, waivers, work-study and part-time employment.
Accreditation
California State University San Marcos is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Admissions
First-time admissions to California State University San Marcos require students to have completed high school or obtained a GED and taken required college preparatory courses maintaining a grade of “C” or higher. Minimum requirements include four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of history and social science, two years of a foreign language, one year of laboratory science, one year of visual and performing arts and one year of a college preparatory elective.
California State San Marcos uses an SAT eligibility index that is determined by multiplying the student’s GPA by 800 and adding the SAT scores for critical reading and math. The ACT eligibility index is obtained by multiplying the GPA by 200 and adding ten times the composite ACT score. The minimum SAT eligibility index is 2900 and minimum ACT index is 694 for California residents. Non-residents must have at least 3502 SAT index and 842 ACT index.
Students must submit an online application at www.CSUMentor.edu. There is a $55 non-refundable processing fee that must be included with the application. A waiver can be obtained for low-income California families. Official SAT or ACT scores should also be submitted. Transfer, graduate and post baccalaureate applicants should submit their official transcripts from the college previously attended.
Information about admissions to California State University San Marcos can be obtained by contacting the school directly at:
apply@csusm.edu
Admissions & Recruitment
California State University San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Phone: 760-750-4848
Fax: 760-750-3248
