California State University-San Marcos vs Cornell University
San Marcos, CA — Ithaca, NY
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | Cornell University Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Ithaca, NY |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 15,995 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 8.8% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,535 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $69,314 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $69,314 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $28,690 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $14,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 95.3% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 98.4% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $87,830 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $104,043 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 313700.0% |
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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Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and Cornell 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. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, in-state tuition of $69,314, and median 10-year earnings of $104,043.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Cornell University?▼
Cornell University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $104,043 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Cornell 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 $28,690.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Cornell University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.3% 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