California State University-San Marcos vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

San Marcos, CA — Cambridge, MA

Metric
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Location San Marcos, CA Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 14,877 4,535
Acceptance Rate 95.1% 4.5%
SAT Average 1,560
In-State Tuition $8,082 $62,396
Out-of-State Tuition $20,682 $62,396
Avg Net Price $10,229 $20,111
Median Debt at Graduation $17,350 $14,768
4-Year Graduation Rate 54.4% 96.2%
Retention Rate 78.6% 99.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $48,673 $131,633
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,908 $143,372
Loan Repayment Rate 333500.0% 58700.0%

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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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-San Marcos and Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, in-state tuition of $62,396, and median 10-year earnings of $143,372.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $143,372 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
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 $20,111.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.2% 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