California State University-Sacramento vs California State University-San Marcos
California State University-Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, CA, and California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA. California State University-Sacramento is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 95% at California State University-San Marcos. California State University-Sacramento is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,338 a year against $10,229 at California State University-San Marcos. About 56% of students graduate at California State University-Sacramento, compared with 54% at California State University-San Marcos. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Sacramento alumni earn a median of about $64,876, against $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Sacramento, CA
San Marcos, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
28,350
14,877
Acceptance rate
94%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
950–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,338
$10,229
Full cost / yr
$22,945
$21,649
In-state tuition
$8,018
$8,082
Out-of-state tuition
$20,618
$20,682
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,501
$6,230
$30k - $48k
$7,001
$7,240
$48k - $75k
$9,212
$8,928
$75k - $110k
$11,814
$12,525
Over $110k
$18,861
$18,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
54%
Freshman retention
82%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,074
$48,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,876
$62,908
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$17,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
43%
First-generation students
49%
48%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 15
Dec 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos harder to get into?
- California State University-Sacramento is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 95% at California State University-San Marcos. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-Sacramento is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,338 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,229 at California State University-San Marcos. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Sacramento and California State University-San Marcos?
- Before aid, California State University-San Marcos costs about $21,649 a year and California State University-Sacramento about $22,945. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-San Marcos. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,230 there, against about $6,501 at California State University-Sacramento. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-Sacramento is the larger of the two, with about 28,350 undergraduates against 14,877 at California State University-San Marcos.
- Does California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos have a better graduation rate?
- California State University-Sacramento has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 54% at California State University-San Marcos.
- Do graduates of California State University-Sacramento or California State University-San Marcos earn more?
- California State University-Sacramento alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Sacramento and California State University-San Marcos require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Sacramento is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California State University-San Marcos is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Sacramento and California State University-San Marcos look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at California State University-Sacramento and 950–1130 at California State University-San Marcos. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Sacramento vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of California-BerkeleyCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school