California State University-San Marcos vs Texas Christian University

San Marcos, CA — Fort Worth, TX

Metric
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
Location San Marcos, CA Fort Worth, TX
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 14,877 11,026
Acceptance Rate 95.1% 44.5%
SAT Average 1,298
In-State Tuition $8,082 $61,740
Out-of-State Tuition $20,682 $61,740
Avg Net Price $10,229 $36,660
Median Debt at Graduation $17,350 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 54.4% 85.6%
Retention Rate 78.6% 92.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $48,673 $60,435
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,908 $68,424
Loan Repayment Rate 333500.0% 197700.0%

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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Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-San Marcos and Texas Christian 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. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) has an acceptance rate of 44.5%, in-state tuition of $61,740, and median 10-year earnings of $68,424.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Texas Christian University?
Texas Christian University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $68,424 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Texas Christian 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 $36,660.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Texas Christian University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.6% 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