Cal State San Marcos
California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, California · Public
Cal State San Marcos admitted 95% of 20,881 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 860–1113 in the middle half. Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 54% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Cal State San Marcos
Enter a score to see whether Cal State San Marcos is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (95%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Early decision and early action
Cal State San Marcos doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
What admissions weighs
How Cal State San Marcos rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- GPA
Important
- –
Considered
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
Not considered
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Legacy
- Religion
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.32 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $26,623 in-state and $38,503 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $10,500 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
Quick answers
What is Cal State San Marcos’s acceptance rate?
Cal State San Marcos admitted 95% of applicants: 19,864 of 20,881 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
What SAT score do you need for Cal State San Marcos?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 860 to 1113, with a median around 1010. A score at or above 1010 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
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