California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)

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CSUSM can be found in San Marcos, CA, a public college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. Approximately seventeen thousand students are enrolled at California State University-San Marcos.

Many of the students accepted into California State University-San Marcos had an SAT score in the range of 950 to 1140, or got accepted with an ACT score between 17 to 22. By applying sampled GPA data from over 150 schools, we are able to estimate that the CSUSM average GPA ranges from 2.80 to 3.14 for accepted students. CSUSM admits about 60 percent of students applying each year. Of those that are accepted, roughly 21 percent enrolled. Based on historical acceptance rate data, the projected CSUSM acceptance rate 2021 is estimated to be 55%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at csusm.edu.

Overall CSUSM Acceptance Rate - Fall 2020

61.7%

The overall acceptance rate for California State University-San Marcos was reported as 61.7% in Fall 2020 with over 17,300 applications submitted to CSUSM. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.

Accepted Applicants Profile

  • CSUSM ACT Scores: 17 - 22
  • CSUSM Average GPA: 2.80 - 3.14

How Hard Is It to Get into California State University-San Marcos?

Applicant Selectivity: Medium

When determining how difficult it is for students to get into California State University-San Marcos, ACT/SAT test scores and high school average GPA ranges of accepted students of previous years can help estimate the selectivity of a school.

Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2024 Projection

The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2024-2025 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for California State University-San Marcos has been getting much higher in the past few years.

Acceptance Rate By Year

  • 2016-2017: 51.8%
  • 2017-2018: 56.8%
  • 2018-2019: 58.4%
  • 2019-2020: 61.7%
  • Projected CSUSM Acceptance Rate 2024-2025: 54.5%

How Does CSUSM Compare?

61.7%
This School
56.7%
National Avg

The acceptance rate for California State University-San Marcos is nine percent higher than the national average of all colleges which is around 56.7%.

Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates

SchoolAcceptance Rate
University of San Diego48.7%
California Baptist University78.3%
Chapman University55.7%
Biola University69.9%
University of La Verne54.8%

Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details

General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions

  • High School GPA Scores are Required
  • School Records are Required
  • College Prep Classes are Required
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,...) are Required

Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)

TotalMaleFemale
Applicants17,34936.8%63.2%
Admitted10,69936.9%63.1%
Enrolled2,24539.0%61.0%

Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to CSUSM (Fall 2020)

SAT® SectionScore Range
Critical Reading480 - 570
Math470 - 570
Total Score950 - 1140
ACT®Score Range
English15 - 22
Math16 - 22
Composite Score17 - 22
To learn more about the data and calculations that power this site, please visit our data discussion page.