California State University-San Marcos vs Vanderbilt University
San Marcos, CA — Nashville, TN
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Nashville, TN |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 7,208 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 5.9% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,549 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $67,498 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $67,498 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $15,846 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $14,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 93.1% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 96.3% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $73,909 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $91,565 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 84500.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, in-state tuition of $67,498, and median 10-year earnings of $91,565.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Vanderbilt University?▼
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $91,565 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Vanderbilt 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 $15,846.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Vanderbilt University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.1% vs 54.4%.
More Comparisons
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