California State University-San Marcos vs Williams College
San Marcos, CA — Williamstown, MA
| Metric | California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA | Williams College Williamstown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Williamstown, MA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 14,877 | 2,076 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% | 8.3% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,533 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 | $68,560 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 | $68,560 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,229 | $17,716 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,350 | $12,761 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 54.4% | 95.1% |
| Retention Rate | 78.6% | 96.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $48,673 | $71,754 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,908 | $88,665 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 333500.0% | 25800.0% |
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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Williams College
Williamstown, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California State University-San Marcos and Williams College 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. Williams College (Williamstown, MA) has an acceptance rate of 8.3%, in-state tuition of $68,560, and median 10-year earnings of $88,665.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-San Marcos or Williams College?▼
Williams College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $88,665 vs $62,908. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-San Marcos or Williams College?▼
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 $17,716.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Williams College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.1% 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