Undergraduate International Admissions

All the information you need to apply for undergraduate admission can be found here.

Study in Southern California

California State University San Marcos is located in the heart of coastal southern California, which is a wonderful place to live while studying in the United States. A short distance from the campus we have some of California's most beautiful beaches and coastline where you can surf, swim, and sail. We are also near mountains and deserts, where you can hike, ski, bicycle, and camp. In our ideal climate outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year.

The city of San Diego (eighth largest in the U.S.) is 50 kilometers from the campus. It is famous for its cultural activities, the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, and has professional baseball, football, and soccer teams. Just south of San Diego is Mexico, with its own cultural opportunities, and 150 kilometers north of the university are the attractions of the Los Angeles region, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Disneyland.

The population of the region is a mixture of cultures from around the world. International students can easily find international groups, restaurants, and food markets that will make them feel at home in southern California.

Campus Life

California State University San Marcos is a small, friendly campus located in a safe, suburban city surrounded by rolling hills and scenic views. The campus has many facilities available to students, including a modern library, computer rooms, a language laboratory, a dining hall, and a student health center.

One of the best ways for international students to expand their social contacts and circle of friends is to join one of the more than 80 student clubs at CSUSM, including the International Club. Campus life includes intramural sports, musical performances, dances, lectures and special events sponsored by Associated Students.

Train Service on Campus

There is a train station on campus providing easy access to a light rail system, called The Sprinter, across northern San Diego from Escondido to Oceanside, with easy connections to the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles. For $49 per month San Marcos students can ride the Sprinter to and from campus, day and night. Check out the Sprinter.

The CSU San Marcos Profile

California State University San Marcos was founded in 1989 as the 20th campus of the California State University system, which is the largest system of public higher education offering bachelors and masters degrees in the U.S.

Students

Total Enrollment: 9,165 (Fall 2008)

Undergraduate: 8,175

Graduate/Professional: 990Student Profile

62% Female; 38% Male

International Students (F-1): 125

Faculty

230 full-time faculty, 100% of whom hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree.

250 part-time faculty, 38% of whom hold a Ph.D. equivalent terminal degree.

54% of the faculty are women.

Accreditation

CSUSM is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Campus Safety

The University has its own police department on campus and provides many services for the protection and safety of the campus community. Students can feel secure using campus facilities at all times, day and night.