Since its founding in 1989, California State University San Marcos has been dedicated to student success, social mobility and innovation. Through first-year programs, learning communities, internships, undergraduate research and much more, the university works to foster deep learning and academic success by engaging students in meaningful and innovative educational experiences. Located on a 306-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos, CSUSM is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties.

Building on an innovative 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. CSUSM enrollment is over 16,000 and the university is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Outstanding faculty and staff ensure that even on a large campus, CSUSM offers small classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 24:1.

To learn a bit more about the student experience at CSU San Marcos, take a look at the following student testimonials:

• CSUSM Study Abroad - Student Interview: Idayat
• CSUSM Study Abroad - Student Interview: Dan
• Renan from Brazil Shares His American Experience With CSUSM
• International Student Juan Pesantez at CSUSM
  

Why California State University, San Marcos

• Location: Located in North San Diego County, in between the city of San Diego to the south, and Orange and Riverside counties to the north, Cal State San Marcos’ unique location offers endless opportunities for exploration and activities. Minutes from the area’s best beaches and an hour from both the desert and the mountains; discover the sights near the vibrant campus in the idyllic foothills of San Marcos.
• Diversity: CSUSM remains firmly committed to diversity and inclusion, receiving the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, for the seventh straight year in 2020. The university also stands among the national leaders in the social mobility of its graduates, ranking 28th nationally out of almost 1,500 schools measured in the 2020 Social Mobility Index by CollegeNET. The index measures the extent to which a college or university educates more economically disadvantaged students at lower tuition and graduates them into good-paying jobs.
• Athletics: CSUSM Athletics strives to build and maintain a successful, balanced athletic program that is consistent with the goals of the University. The Department of Athletics is committed to advancing academic and athletic excellence, while enhancing student lives and promoting Cal State San Marcos. CSUSM Athletics is committed to providing equitable opportunities for every student-athlete while upholding the principles of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and integrity.