California State University-San Marcos Cost & Financial Aid Information

$10,463
Average Net Price
65%
Receive Aid
45%
Pell Recipients
Very Affordable
Affordability

Average Net Price

The average net price at California State University-San Marcos is $10,463 per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Overall Average Net Price

$10,463

Average amount students pay per year after financial aid

Net Price by Family Income

$0-30,000$6,625
$30,001-48,000$7,515
$48,001-75,000$10,963
$75,001-110,000$15,727
$110,000+$18,662

Financial Aid

California State University-San Marcos demonstrates strong commitment to educational accessibility, with 65% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid and 45% benefiting from federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need.

Students Receiving Aid

65%

Of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance

Pell Grant Recipients

45%

Of students receive federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need

Grants & Scholarships

Gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid

Work-Study Programs

Part-time employment opportunities on campus

Student Loans

Federal and private loan options available

Combined Sticker Price (Undergraduate)

The sticker price represents the total cost before any financial aid is applied. In-state students can expect a sticker price of $7,739 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $19,619. Additional costs for room, board, books, and personal expenses will vary based on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Commuting students pay approximately $10,139, which is 52% cheaper than on-campus living.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

Annual Tuition & Fees

In-State: $7,739

Out-of-State: $19,619

In-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$7,739
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$22,939

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$7,739
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$22,439

Out-of-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$19,619
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$34,819

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$19,619
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$2,000
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$34,819

Commuting Students

Students living at home and commuting to campus can significantly reduce their costs.

In-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$7,739
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$11,439

Out-of-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$19,619
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$23,819

Cost Analysis

Analyze how Csusm's costs have changed over time. Over the past year, California State University-San Marcos has decreased costs by $3,833, representing a 26.8% reduction in average net price.

Cost Trends

Previous Year

$14,296

Current Year

$10,463

Change

$-3,833

Affordability & Value

California State University-San Marcos is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education with strong return on investment.

Affordability Rating

Very Affordable

Based on average net price compared to national averages

Investment Value

Students receiving aid65%
Pell grant recipients45%
Student-faculty ratio23:1