Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.2%
- Retention Rate
- 74.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,908
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,350
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $184/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $103,555 | $60,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,074 | $24,246 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,576 | $36,990 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $12,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $66,941 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $63,005 | $20,936 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $19,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $20,452 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,520 | $16,337 |
| Social Work. | Master | $49,270 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,864 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $20,951 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,601 | $19,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,319 | $18,620 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,185 | $18,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Cal State San Marcos graduates earn a median salary of $62,908 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate carries $17,350 in debt with monthly payments of $184. This debt-to-income ratio of 28% falls well below the recommended 36% threshold. Monthly payments consume just 3.5% of median earnings, making loans highly manageable. The university's location in North County San Diego connects graduates to biotechnology, healthcare, and business opportunities throughout the region. With a 93.6% employment rate and strong earnings growth from $42,878 one year out to over $60,000 by year ten, graduates see substantial salary progression. The affordable tuition and solid earning potential deliver a strong return on investment.