myCSUSM
A Beacon of Promise and Possibility
Nestled in the hills of northern San Diego County, California State University San Marcos offers the perfect mix of academic excellence and a Southern California lifestyle.
Home to more than 17,000 students, CSUSM is known for its vibrant and diverse campus community, hands-on learning approach, direct access to professors, internships and research, and a strong support system committed to student success.
Your Dream is Our Mission
Whether you’re interested in business, nursing, engineering, criminology, or one of our many exciting majors, CSUSM offers top-ranked programs to help you launch your future. Here, students don’t just study and take tests – they get involved in causes they care about, make lifelong connections and gain real-world experiences that lead to meaningful careers.
CSUSM graduates leave with more than a degree; they leave with experience, purpose and the skills employers value.
Exceptional Value
Choosing a university is one of the most important investments a family makes. At
CSUSM, students don’t have to choose between affordability and a meaningful college
experience, because they receive both.
CSUSM delivers a high-quality education at a cost designed to remain accessible. Financial aid, scholarships, and on-campus employment opportunities help make a degree attainable—while national rankings consistently recognize CSUSM as one of the best values in the West.
And the return on investment continues after graduation. Independent rankings highlight CSUSM graduates among the top in salary outcomes, with alumni earning $1.8 billion more as a result of their CSUSM degrees, providing evidence that a CSUSM degree leads to long-term financial mobility.
CSUSM delivers a high-quality education at a cost designed to remain accessible. Financial aid, scholarships, and on-campus employment opportunities help make a degree attainable—while national rankings consistently recognize CSUSM as one of the best values in the West.
And the return on investment continues after graduation. Independent rankings highlight CSUSM graduates among the top in salary outcomes, with alumni earning $1.8 billion more as a result of their CSUSM degrees, providing evidence that a CSUSM degree leads to long-term financial mobility.
of students graduate with zero education loan debt
more in alumni earnings as a result of a CSUSM degree
of students receive financial aid
The Cougar Experience
College is about more than classes—it’s about the community, opportunities, and environment
that shape your time on campus. CSUSM offers vibrant student life, modern facilities,
a commitment to sustainability, and countless ways to get involved. Students can explore
hundreds of clubs and organizations, leadership opportunities, athletics, and Greek
life while building friendships and discovering their interests.
Safety and well-being are also central to the Cougar Experience. CSUSM is ranked among the safest college towns in the country, giving students and families confidence and peace of mind. Students consistently report a strong overall college experience, reflecting engaged faculty, supportive services, and a campus culture where students feel connected and empowered to thrive.
Safety and well-being are also central to the Cougar Experience. CSUSM is ranked among the safest college towns in the country, giving students and families confidence and peace of mind. Students consistently report a strong overall college experience, reflecting engaged faculty, supportive services, and a campus culture where students feel connected and empowered to thrive.
Social Mobility That Changes Lives
More than half of our graduates are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many balance work, military service, and family responsibilities while pursuing their education. CSUSM is a place where students from all backgrounds can achieve their dreams and transform their lives. We believe talent is everywhere, and opportunity should be too.
CSUSM is recognized by CollegeNet as the #1 university in the country for social mobility, reflecting our commitment to helping students graduate, secure strong careers, and transform their futures.
graduates stay in the region
of graduates are the first in their family to earn a degree
students are military-affiliated
Student Success Stories
Where is San Marcos?
San Marcos is a safe and welcoming college town located in North County San Diego, with a new walkable urban center called “North City,” offering easy access to housing, coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment and recreation, and a farmer's market.
Our location puts you just 20 minutes from the beach, an hour from the mountains, desert, or border, and within reach of San Diego’s major employers and innovation hubs.
CSUSM Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Luiseño/Payómkawichum people. Today, the meeting place of CSUSM and its surrounding areas is still home to the six Luiseño/Payómkawichum federally recognized bands of the La Jolla, Pala, Pauma, Pechanga, Rincon, Soboba and one non-federally recognized, the San Luis Rey band. It is also important to acknowledge that this land remains the shared space among the Kuupangaxwichem/Cupeño and Kumeyaay and Ipai peoples.