California State University San Marcos
University in San Marcos, CA, The United States
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university in San Marcos, in the hills of northern San Diego County, California. It has more than 17,000 students and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). CSUSM also has locations in Temecula and Chula Vista.
The university offers 43 bachelor's degree programmes, 38 minors, 23 master's programmes, 11 teaching credential programmes and a joint doctoral programme with UC San Diego. Fields include business, nursing, engineering, criminology, mathematics, literature and global studies. Its American Language & Culture programmes offer an intensive English pathway with conditional admission for students who do not yet meet the English requirement.
International students apply through the Global Programs and Services office: for fall, between 1 October and 1 May; for spring, between 1 August and 15 November (master's dates may vary). Freshman applicants need the equivalent of a 2.5 grade point average. The university estimates the cost for an international undergraduate at US$48,696 for 2026-2027, and offers a scholarship covering up to 50% of non-resident tuition. On campus, students can live in Black Oak Hall, North Commons, The QUAD or University Village Apartments.
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Programmes
43 bachelor's degree programmes and 38 minors, plus 11 teaching credential programmes. Areas include business (including global business management), nursing, engineering, computer science, criminology, mathematics, biology, literature and writing, psychology, kinesiology and global studies. International freshmen applying for spring select "undeclared" on the application and then contact the international admissions office to declare a major.
Graduate programmes
23 master's programmes and a joint doctoral programme with UC San Diego, including:
- MBA and Fully Employed MBA; MS in Supply Chain Analytics or Business Analytics
- MS in Computer Science; Master of Biotechnology (Professional Science Master's)
- Master of Public Health
- Master's programmes in biology, history, literature and writing, mathematics, psychology, sociological practice, social work, Spanish and kinesiology
Admission
- University application online (or paper form), with help from [email protected]
- All academic records in the original language with official English translations (copies accepted for the decision; official records by post after acceptance)
- Affidavit of Financial Support with bank statements from the last six months, or loan or scholarship letters, for the I-20
- Passport copy
- English language proficiency (or conditional admission through the English language programme)
Freshmen need the equivalent of a 2.5 GPA; SAT or ACT recommended but not required. Deadlines: Spring 2027, 1 July to 15 November 2026; Fall 2027, 1 October 2026 to 1 June 2027.
Language requirements
Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement with a passing IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English score. Those without a passing score, or who have not yet taken a test, can receive guaranteed conditional admission through the university's English language programme (minimum GPA 2.0).
Fees
Estimated annual cost for international undergraduates, 2026-2027 (summer not included): tuition and fees US$20,638; room and board US$19,245; living expenses (including mandatory health insurance and books) US$8,813; total US$48,696. Non-resident fees are US$471 per unit. Master's programmes range from about US$47,580 to US$71,018 for the first year (financial guarantee amounts).
Scholarships and financial aid
The You Are Welcome Here Scholarship covers up to 50% of non-resident tuition for international first-year applicants. Other scholarships and tuition waivers are available to international students on a limited basis.
Housing
- Black Oak Hall: new traditional residence hall for first-year students, double rooms, required meal plan
- North Commons: suite-style complex, home of the San Marcos Experience residential learning community
- The QUAD: furnished apartments with single to four-person options
- University Village Apartments: furnished apartments and studios with full kitchens
Utilities, internet, fitness rooms and laundry are included. Contact: [email protected].