Cost Details
- In-State Tuition
- $7,739
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $19,619
- Average Net Price
- $10,550
- Students Receiving Financial Aid
- 43.6%
- Room & Board (On Campus)
- $14,152
- Room & Board (Off Campus)
- $20,254
- Books & Supplies
- $1,018
- Total Cost of Attendance
- $22,909
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,350
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $184/mo
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.6%
- Students Taking Federal Loans
- 29.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.6%
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $6,812 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $7,246 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $9,980 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $13,773 |
| $110,001+ | $19,772 |
Cost Estimator
Cost Overview
Families actually pay $10,550 per year on average at Cal State San Marcos, well below the $22,909 sticker price. Low-income students (under $30K) pay just $6,812 annually, while those from families earning over $110K pay $19,772. Over four years, that ranges from $27,248 to $79,088 depending on family income.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,350, translating to monthly payments of $184. That's manageable against median earnings of $62,908 ten years out. Only 30% of students take federal loans, and two-thirds successfully repay them. The 44% of students receiving Pell Grants get the strongest value proposition here.
First-generation college students and Hispanic families, who make up 51% of enrollment, find this among the most affordable pathways to a four-year degree in expensive San Diego County.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,350, translating to monthly payments of $184. That's manageable against median earnings of $62,908 ten years out. Only 30% of students take federal loans, and two-thirds successfully repay them. The 44% of students receiving Pell Grants get the strongest value proposition here.
First-generation college students and Hispanic families, who make up 51% of enrollment, find this among the most affordable pathways to a four-year degree in expensive San Diego County.
Official Net Price Calculator
Get a personalized cost estimate from California State University-San Marcos:
Visit Official Net Price CalculatorThis links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.