California State University San Marcos guarantees admission to all foster youth that meet the following criteria:

• Have been an award of the court in San Diego or Riverside County
• Graduated from San Pasqual Academy
• Graduated from high school or completed the GED/High School Equivalency
• Completed all college preparatory course A-G coursework
• Met the minimum CSU eligibility index requirements
• Applied in the month of October
  

ACE Scholars Services defines a former foster youth as an individual who was placed in the foster care system on or after their 13 birthday and remain in the system for more than two years or was emancipated and under the age of 28.