Cal State San Marcos declares to students, faculty, staff, and residents of the region, “We’re building a place for you.” The statement is both literal and figurative. In its first decade the campus blossomed from 250 students in a storefront to 7,700 students on a 304-acre campus in the foothills of Northern San Diego County.

Scroll down for some Frequently Asked Questions

Cal State San Marcos offers the ambiance of a small, personal campus with the unequalled value of the California State University.

Our student population reflects the future of our diverse region, with increasing numbers of Hispanic, Asian, African American and Native American students. More than half of our students come from Northern San Diego County and a growing number travel from southern Orange and Riverside Counties.

To learn more about Cal State San Marcos, here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the University and the sports programs:

And don't forget to view the Visitor's Information page that has items related the area.

• Tell me some more about the University in general.
• What sports are sponsored by the University?
• What information is available online for prospective students?
• Can I apply online?
• What academic programs are offered at Cal State San Marcos?
• What is campus life like at CSUSM?
• What are some of the student organizations I can get involved with?
• Is there financial aid available?

For the complete story on Cal State San Marcos, visit the school Website by clicking on the CSUSM image on the left side of this page.

This is Cal State San Marcos
Cal State San Marcos, one of 23 in the Cal State University system, is located in San Marcos, CA, a community in northern San Diego County. (maps). CSUSM has approximately 9,157 students on a 304-acre campus, having grown considerably from its starting enrollment of 250 in 1989. The next decade promises to maintain the pace, with enrollment expected to reach 11,000 by 2010.

True to the mission of the California State University, Cal State San Marcos educates students who are carving college time out of a busy life. Some 70 percent of our students work more than 20 hours per week.

Our student population reflects the future of our diverse region, with increasing numbers of Hispanic, Asian, African American and Native American students. More than half of our students come from Northern San Diego County and a growing number travel from southern Orange and Riverside Counties.

The campus also sponsors a variety of visual and performing arts events that enrich the region's cultural offerings.

While the campus enjoys the safety and quiet of being outside of the city, it is only a few minutes away from the diverse cultural offerings of San Diego, including music, drama, fine arts and historical attractions. Los Angeles is about two hours to the north of the campus, with a different and even larger set of cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Our campus-in-motion is ready for your kinetic energy. Your participation and support will help Cal State San Marcos prepare for the opportunities presented by our growing region.

What information is available online for prospective students?
The Office of Admissions has prepared information for prospective students, and it is included on the College's Website. Link to the Admissions' Office Why Us page and take a tour!

Can I apply online?
The California State University has developed a comprehensive website that can answer a majority of questions for parents, students and high school counselors. This website also provides resources for students to track their academic progress, obtain information about any of the 23 CSU campuses, including Cal State San Marcos. Students may apply using the CSUMentor website. Link to the CSUMentor Website.

What academic programs are offered at Cal State San Marcos?
Cal State San Marcos has a variety of academic programs. To see academic offerings, link to the List of Academic Programs at CSUSM page on the CSUSM Website.

What is campus life like at CSUSM?
In addition to the academic side, Cal State San Marcos offers its students many ways to grow culturally and socially. Programs are offered through the Associated Students, Inc. organization. Visit their Website to learn more!

What are some of the student organizations I can get involved with?
Cal State San Marcos encourages students to participate in extra-curricular organizations, academic clubs, or other groups. Most organizations are open to all students; some are for students majoring in a specific discipline. These organizations afford many opportunities to grow academically, socially and personally. To find out more, link to the Student Organizations at Cal State San Marcos page on the CSUSM Website.

Is there financial aid available?
Cal State San Marcos has financial aid resources available. To find out more, link to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office's page on the CSUSM Website. Another possibility to help cover expenses is after-school work with local employers. Some 70 percent of our students work more than 20 hours per week.