California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-Los Angeles
San Marcos, CA — Los Angeles, CA
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 19,562 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 91.3% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $7,160 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $19,760 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $3,967 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $13,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 52.8% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 71.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $45,702 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $59,211 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 569900.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and California State University-Los Angeles compare?▼
California State University-San Marcos (San Marcos, CA) has an acceptance rate of 95.1%, in-state tuition of $8,082, and median 10-year earnings of $62,908. California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or California State University-Los Angeles?▼
California State University-San Marcos graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $62,908 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or California State University-Los Angeles?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $10,229.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California State University-San Marcos has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 54.4% vs 52.8%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025