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Laguna College of Art and Design vs California State University-San Marcos

Laguna College of Art and Design is a private college in Laguna Beach, CA. California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA. Laguna College of Art and Design admits about 94% of applicants and California State University-San Marcos about 95%, making Laguna College of Art and Design the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,229 a year at California State University-San Marcos after aid, and about $42,505 at Laguna College of Art and Design. About 57% of students graduate at Laguna College of Art and Design, compared with 54% at California State University-San Marcos. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Marcos alumni earn a median of about $62,908, against $47,867 for Laguna College of Art and Design.

Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna Beach, CA · Private

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Laguna Beach, CA
San Marcos, CA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
746
14,877
Acceptance rate
94%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
950–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
17–22
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$42,505
$10,229
Full cost / yr
$57,989
$21,649
In-state tuition
$37,500
$8,082
Out-of-state tuition
$37,500
$20,682
Application fee
$45
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$37,203
$6,230
$30k - $48k
$38,156
$7,240
$48k - $75k
$40,258
$8,928
$75k - $110k
$44,233
$12,525
Over $110k
$46,889
$18,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
54%
Freshman retention
84%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,987
$48,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,867
$62,908
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
43%
First-generation students
22%
48%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Laguna College of Art and Design or California State University-San Marcos harder to get into?
Laguna College of Art and Design 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, Laguna College of Art and Design or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,229 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $42,505 at Laguna College of Art and Design. 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 Laguna College of Art and Design and California State University-San Marcos?
Before aid, California State University-San Marcos costs about $21,649 a year and Laguna College of Art and Design about $57,989. 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, Laguna College of Art and Design 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 $37,203 at Laguna College of Art and Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Laguna College of Art and Design or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos is the larger of the two, with about 14,877 undergraduates against 746 at Laguna College of Art and Design.
Does Laguna College of Art and Design or California State University-San Marcos have a better graduation rate?
Laguna College of Art and Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 54% at California State University-San Marcos.
Do graduates of Laguna College of Art and Design or California State University-San Marcos earn more?
California State University-San Marcos alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,908 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,867 for Laguna College of Art and Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Laguna College of Art and Design and California State University-San Marcos require SAT or ACT scores?
Laguna College of Art and Design is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-San Marcos is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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