California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-Channel Islands
California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA, and California State University-Channel Islands is a public university in Camarillo, CA. Both admit about 95% of applicants. California State University-Channel Islands is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,849 a year against $10,229 at California State University-San Marcos. About 54% of students graduate at California State University-San Marcos, compared with 52% at California State University-Channel Islands. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Marcos alumni earn a median of about $62,908, against $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
San Marcos, CA
Camarillo, CA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
14,877
5,013
Acceptance rate
95%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1130
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,229
$9,849
Full cost / yr
$21,649
$23,561
In-state tuition
$8,082
$7,159
Out-of-state tuition
$20,682
$19,759
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,230
$6,857
$30k - $48k
$7,240
$7,083
$48k - $75k
$8,928
$9,083
$75k - $110k
$12,525
$12,286
Over $110k
$18,734
$20,473
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
52%
Freshman retention
79%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,673
$46,785
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,908
$62,152
Median debt at graduation
$17,350
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
47%
First-generation students
48%
51%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
Mar 2
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-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 95% of applicants. 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-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands?
- California State University-Channel Islands is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,849 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-San Marcos and California State University-Channel Islands?
- Before aid, California State University-San Marcos costs about $21,649 a year and California State University-Channel Islands about $23,561. 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-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands?
- California State University-San Marcos. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,230 there, against about $6,857 at California State University-Channel Islands. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands?
- California State University-San Marcos is the larger of the two, with about 14,877 undergraduates against 5,013 at California State University-Channel Islands.
- Does California State University-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands have a better graduation rate?
- California State University-San Marcos has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 52% at California State University-Channel Islands.
- Do graduates of California State University-San Marcos or California State University-Channel Islands earn more?
- California State University-San Marcos alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,908 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Related comparisons
California State University-San Marcos vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Santa Clara UniversityCalifornia State University-Channel Islands vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-Channel Islands vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-Channel Islands vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school