University of San Diego vs California State University-San Marcos
University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA. California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA. University of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants and California State University-San Marcos about 95%, making University of San Diego 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 54% at California State University-San Marcos. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Diego, CA
San Marcos, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,671
14,877
Acceptance rate
52%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
950–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
17–22
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$10,229
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$21,649
In-state tuition
$59,486
$8,082
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$20,682
Application fee
$55
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$6,230
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$7,240
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$8,928
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$12,525
Over $110k
$46,989
$18,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
54%
Freshman retention
91%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$48,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$62,908
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$17,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
43%
First-generation students
25%
48%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 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 University of San Diego or California State University-San Marcos harder to get into?
- University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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, University of San Diego 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. 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 University of San Diego and California State University-San Marcos?
- Before aid, California State University-San Marcos costs about $21,649 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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, University of San Diego 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 $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of San Diego or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-San Marcos is the larger of the two, with about 14,877 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
- Does University of San Diego or California State University-San Marcos have a better graduation rate?
- University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 54% at California State University-San Marcos.
- Do graduates of University of San Diego or California State University-San Marcos earn more?
- University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,908 for California State University-San Marcos. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of San Diego and California State University-San Marcos require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of San Diego 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.
- What SAT scores do University of San Diego and California State University-San Marcos look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1370 at University of San Diego and 950–1130 at California State University-San Marcos. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of San Diego vs Stanford UniversityUniversity of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount UniversityUniversity of San Diego vs Santa Clara UniversityCalifornia 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?
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