California State University-San Marcos vs University of Maryland-College Park

San Marcos, CA — College Park, MD

Metric
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD
Location San Marcos, CA College Park, MD
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 14,877 30,760
Acceptance Rate 95.1% 44.8%
SAT Average 1,473
In-State Tuition $8,082 $11,809
Out-of-State Tuition $20,682 $41,186
Avg Net Price $10,229 $15,678
Median Debt at Graduation $17,350 $19,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 54.4% 88.6%
Retention Rate 78.6% 96.2%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $48,673 $67,785
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,908 $82,860
Loan Repayment Rate 333500.0% 712600.0%

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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University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-San Marcos and University of Maryland-College Park 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. University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) has an acceptance rate of 44.8%, in-state tuition of $11,809, and median 10-year earnings of $82,860.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $82,860 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or University of Maryland-College Park?
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 $15,678.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.6% 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