Is California State University-San Marcos worth it?
San Marcos, CA · public
Verdict
Typical students pay $10,229 a year after aid, graduate with $17,350 in federal debt, and earn $48,673 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $186, with a debt break-even of about 3.6 years.
Net price / year
$10,229
Admission rate
95%
Graduation rate
—
Median debt
$17,350
Earnings (6 yr)
$48,673
Earnings (10 yr)
$62,908
Est. monthly loan payment
$186
Loan-to-income ratio
36%
Debt break-even
3.6 years
How California State University-San Marcos compares
FAQ
How much does it cost to attend California State University-San Marcos?
The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $10,229 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.
How much debt do California State University-San Marcos graduates typically carry?
Students who complete a program at California State University-San Marcos leave with a median federal debt of $17,350, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do California State University-San Marcos graduates earn?
Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $48,673, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at California State University-San Marcos?
Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.
Is California State University-San Marcos worth the debt?
Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.6 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.