California State University, San Marcos: Programs, Requirements, and Tuition | IDP Vietnam

California State University, San Marcos is part of the California State University system - the largest public university system in the United States. CSUSM was founded in 1989, located in the Northern San Diego area - one of the most vibrant cultural and economic centers of the United States. The university also has a convenient location that makes it easy for students to explore popular places such as Disneyland and Hollywood,...

The university is fully equipped with modern facilities with laboratories and a computer center

With a 140-hectare campus, CSUSM has state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic learning environment. The university has four affiliated colleges: College of Business Administration, College of Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics, College of Humanities - Arts - Behavioral & Social Sciences, and College of Education - Health - Human Services. CSUSM offers bachelor's education, master's programs, certificates, and additional courses.

Studying in the U.S. at California State University, San Marcos is a solid launching pad for your global career. Join IDP to find out why you should study at California State University, San Marcos:

Top Public Universities in the U.S.

Although it has only been established for more than three decades, CSUSM has continuously appeared in prestigious rankings, affirming its position as a leading public university in the United States. California State University, San Marcos, ranks 12th on the list of public universities in the Western United States, according to U.S. News & World Report 2025. CSUSM is also ranked 22nd in the top 118 best universities in the American West, U.S. News & World Report 2025.

High quality of education

CSUSM has a highly qualified faculty, 99% of whom have doctoral degrees. With small class sizes, students can interact directly with lecturers and receive more dedicated support. The university has an extensive library system and resources, with more than 25 academic databases. Students can use the Interlibrary Loan and CSU+ services to borrow materials from partner libraries. In addition, the university also owns high-tech laboratories, a computer center, a language room, and a health care area.

Affordable Cost of Education

Tuition at California State University, San Marcos, is about $18,000 a year, significantly lower than the U.S. average. The tuition fee also includes many support fees such as the library, sports center, and medical services at the school.

Expanded career opportunities

With a quality training program, CSUSM students have many job opportunities after graduation. Moreover, thanks to its hands-on curriculum, CSUSM prepares students to meet the demands of the labor market. According to statistics, 78% of students find employment within 6 years of graduation, and more than 80% of CSUSM alumni stay in California to work.

Prime location

The university is located in the middle of the waters of Southern California, with a warm climate all year round. CSUSM is just 35 miles and 150 kilometers from San Diego—two of America's most vibrant cultural and economic centers. The university's proximity to public transport makes it easy for students to move around the area.

CSUSM stands out for its training program combined with practice. The university offers 43 Bachelor's programs, 24 Master's programs, Doctoral programs, and other certificates. Here are the outstanding majors of California State University, San Marcos:

• Social Sciences

• Business, Management, Marketing

• Health

• Psychology

• Biological Sciences and Biomedicine

• Media, Journalism

• Family and Consumer Sciences/Humanities

• Physical Education - Sports Science

• Liberal Arts & Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

See more: What major should you study in the US? 10+ HOTTEST majors

CSUSM's entry requirements will depend on your level of study and the field of study you are applying for. You can refer to the general entry requirements below:

Bachelor's degree:

• GPA of 2.5/4.0

• English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 61 or equivalent

Postgraduate Level:

• Complete a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5/4.0

• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or other equivalent certificate

The cost of studying at California State University will vary depending on your level of study and where you live. Below are the average tuition and living expenses while studying at CSUSM:

• Bachelor's tuition fee is about 18,160 USD/year

• Postgraduate tuition fees range from 17,158 USD to 31,515 USD/year

• Food and housing costs: about 15,000 USD/year

The California State University system has a number of scholarships that offer tuition waivers for international students up to 50% of tuition fees. Eligibility for scholarships for international students will be based on academic results and extracurricular activities.

Study in the U.S. Counseling at Universities at IDP

With outstanding training programs, modern facilities, and reasonable tuition fees, California State University, San Marcos is an ideal destination for international students. In particular, being located in a prime location in the state of California gives students access to many attractive job opportunities.

If you are confused and don't know which school is right for you, contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice. With a team of experienced consultants, IDP supports you throughout your study abroad journey, from finding the right school, major, applying for admission, to assisting in hunting for scholarships to study in the US, finding housing. Especially, IDP also supports you to register for the IELTS test, to help you meet the entrance requirements of universities. Moreover, an IDP will teach you the necessary skills before you set out to study abroad.

With more than 55 years of experience in the field of study abroad consulting, IDP has successfully connected thousands of Vietnamese students with leading universities. If you want to study at one of the world's top universities in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland, contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for assistance.