California State University, San Marcos

In 2022, CSU San Marcos's tuition was $5,742 a year for in-state students and $15,246 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, colleges raise tuition about 3% each year.

Remember, the total cost of tuition isn't necessarily what you will have to pay to attend a school. Many students find the actual cost of college is a lot less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are awarded. Additionally, student loans can make theprice of collegefeel more doable until you've finishing school and found a job.

Tuition for international students at California State University, San Marcos is $15,246 per year.

California State University, San Marcos meets 49% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. First-year students that attend California State University, San Marcos full-time are awarded $10,421 a year in financial aid, on average.

Graduates in the class of 2023 had an average of $19,311 in student loans per borrower.

California State University, San Marcos: In-state vs. Out-of-State Tuition

California State University, San Marcos is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $5,742 for students who qualify as state residents and attend full-time. For non-California residents, out-of-state tuition is $15,246 a year.

Public colleges and universities receive funding from the state government. These institutions offer reduced tuition for students who are residents of that state.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state tuition can drastically reduce the overall cost of college. Don't forget to check your state's criteria for in-state residency. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. Most states require students to have resided in the state for a certain period of time before qualifying. There may be additional requirements as well, depending on where you live.

Explore other California colleges

Tuition for International Students at California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at California State University, San Marcos usually pay around $15,246 per year, before any scholarships or financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. are not eligible for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but may be eligible for private or California State University, San Marcos-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities.

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California State University, San Marcos Living Expenses, Fees, and More

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In addition to the cost of tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at California State University, San Marcos.

House and Food Costs at California State University, San Marcos

Room and board at California State University, San Marcos costs $14,152 a year. This includes the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a meal plan that allows you to eat in the California State University, San Marcos's on-campus cafeterias and dining halls.

Meal-plan costs can depend on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

How Much Do Books Cost at California State University, San Marcos?

The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The real cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and the textbooks, computer programs, or other materials are required.. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy used textbooks and materials.

Yearly Fees

Most schools also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

Keep in mind, there could also be additional fees associated with participating in special activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team. Most colleges have ways so that those with demonstrated need to find ways to lower or eliminate these costs.

The Cost of Transportation at California State University, San Marcos

The cost of transportation in college depends on a few key factors. Will you take a subway, car or an airplane to get to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus walkable? Do you own a car, or will you need to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these factors can drastically impact your transportation budget. At California State University, San Marcos, freshman are allowed to park on campus.

A school's location can impact transportation costs. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand transportation in a city is often expensive, but there may be more trains, busses and low-cost flight options to actually get to school. The California State University, San Marcos campus is in a suburb in California, not far from San Diego.

Other Costs

When you're planning for college, be sure to take into account the cost of things like going out to eat or see shows, furnishing your living space, and things like haircuts, clothes and, yes, even toilet paper and shampoo.

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Total Tuition and Expenses at California State University, San Marcos

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Now, let’s do a rundown of all of the costs associated with college, to get a better estimate of the actual cost of attending California State University, San Marcos.

Total Cost of California State University, San Marcos

What will the cost of attending California State University, San Marcos be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$5,742
Out-of-State Tuition	$15,246
Room and Board	$14,152
Other expenses	$2,056

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

California State University, San Marcos’s tuition and fees change based on: •Campus location for full-time and part-time students •Academic program for both full and part-time students

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Financial Aid at California State University, San Marcos

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The majority of California State University, San Marcos undergrads use financial aid to help pay for school. In 2023, 7,726 of the 12,917 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. California State University, San Marcos meets 49% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $10,421 a year. Around 42% of California State University, San Marcos undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. California State University, San Marcos graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $19,311 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$17,958
Private Loans	$18,898

Most Common Loans for California State University, San Marcos Students
Federal Loans	42%
Private loans	4%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on California State University, San Marcos financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at California State University, San Marcos

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, California State University, San Marcos awarded 7,333 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $81.1 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $1.23 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

California State University, San Marcos Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for California State University, San Marcos students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at California State University, San Marcos was $10,421 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of California State University, San Marcos seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus	$3,100
Net In-state, Off-campus	$-461
Out-of-State, On-Campus	$23,025

Note: a negative number can indicate that a refund will be given to use toward other expenses such as housing, fees, and books. In such cases, be sure to reach out to the school directly for any clarification or questions.

What will attending California State University, San Marcos really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the California State University, San Marcos's net cost calculator on their website.

California State University, San Marcos Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

California State University, San Marcos does not have guaranteed tuition.

California State University, San Marcos offers an Installment Payment Plan, which allows students to pay tuition in a series of smaller chunks instead of one lump sum.

Does California State University, San Marcos Offer Tuition Waivers?

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some schools offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

California State University, San Marcos's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

For more information about California State University, San Marcos's endowment, check with the school directly.

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Learn More About California State University, San Marcos

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Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

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