California State University-San Marcos vs Carlow University
San Marcos, CA — Pittsburgh, PA
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | Carlow University Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 1,348 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 87.0% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,080 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $35,874 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $35,874 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $20,786 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $25,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 57.6% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 84.4% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $44,876 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $51,051 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 106200.0% |
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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Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and Carlow University 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. Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA) has an acceptance rate of 87.0%, in-state tuition of $35,874, and median 10-year earnings of $51,051.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Carlow University?▼
California State University-San Marcos graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $62,908 vs $51,051. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Carlow University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-San Marcos is the more affordable option at $10,229 per year versus $20,786.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Carlow University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 57.6% vs 54.4%.
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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