Santa Clara University vs California State University-San Marcos
Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA, and California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA. Santa Clara University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 95% at California State University-San Marcos. California State University-San Marcos is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,229 a year against $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 54% at California State University-San Marcos. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Santa Clara, CA
San Marcos, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,552
14,877
Acceptance rate
48%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1490
950–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$50,062
$10,229
Full cost / yr
$82,026
$21,649
In-state tuition
$61,293
$8,082
Out-of-state tuition
$61,293
$20,682
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,985
$6,230
$30k - $48k
$19,154
$7,240
$48k - $75k
$26,531
$8,928
$75k - $110k
$37,219
$12,525
Over $110k
$60,678
$18,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
54%
Freshman retention
94%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,198
$48,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$109,183
$62,908
Median debt at graduation
$19,162
$17,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
43%
First-generation students
17%
48%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 7
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 Santa Clara University or California State University-San Marcos harder to get into?
- Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% 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, Santa Clara University 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 $50,062 at Santa Clara University. 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 Santa Clara University and California State University-San Marcos?
- Before aid, California State University-San Marcos costs about $21,649 a year and Santa Clara University about $82,026. 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, Santa Clara University 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 $22,985 at Santa Clara University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Santa Clara University or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-San Marcos is the larger of the two, with about 14,877 undergraduates against 6,552 at Santa Clara University.
- Does Santa Clara University or California State University-San Marcos have a better graduation rate?
- Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 54% at California State University-San Marcos.
- Do graduates of Santa Clara University or California State University-San Marcos earn more?
- Santa Clara University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $109,183 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Santa Clara University and California State University-San Marcos require SAT or ACT scores?
- Santa Clara University 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 Santa Clara University and California State University-San Marcos look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University and 950–1130 at California State University-San Marcos. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Santa Clara University vs Stanford UniversitySanta Clara University vs Loyola Marymount UniversitySanta Clara University vs University of San DiegoCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs University of San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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