Study abroad at California State University, San Marcos

Learn more about studying at California State University, San Marcos as an international student.

California State University, San Marcos campus view
California State University, San Marcos logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    380
  • Total programs
    62
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university located in California, USA. Founded in 1989, CSUSM is part of the California State University system, which is the largest network of public universities in the United States.

CSUSM offers 43 bachelor's degree programs, 38 minors, 23 master's programs, 11 credential programs, and a joint doctoral program with UC San Diego. The university has four colleges of teaching: the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; the College of Business Administration; the College of Education, Health and Human Services; and the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences.

The University's beautiful 304-acre hillside campus overlooks the city of San Marcos, and is close to Southern California's best beaches.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at California State University, San Marcos

  • Financial aid

    70% of students who applied receive financial aid, at an average of $11,275

  • Employability

    78% of students receive job offers within six months of graduating

  • Student Activities

    CSUSM offers over 100 student clubs and organizations to get involved in

Location

California State University, San Marcos

333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92096, United States

Located in North San Diego County, CSUSM is a short journey from beautiful beaches, desert and mountain regions, and many shopping and nightlife destinations.

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Scholarships at California State University, San Marcos

  • CSUSM Undergraduate Tuition Waiver Program

    Official page

    A university-sponsored partial tuition waiver for international undergraduate students at CSU San Marcos. It is aimed at F-1 visa holders in good academic standing with at least one semester of residence at CSUSM, enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit units. No minimum GPA is required; the office instead weighs the student's overall academic record and service to the campus community, and also considers diversity and geographic distribution among applicants. It is explicitly designed for currently enrolled international students, making it directly open to non-domestic undergraduates.

  • Study California Scholarship

    Official page

    An annual $1,000 scholarship awarded to up to three international students in F-1 visa status who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a Study California member institution, which includes CSU San Marcos (CSUSM lists this award on its own international student financial aid page). Undergraduate applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must submit transcripts, a recommendation letter, a passport copy, and proof of admission by the program's October 31 deadline. Because eligibility is explicitly limited to F-1 international students, it is open to CSUSM's international undergraduate population rather than domestic students.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$18,160 per year

  • Postgraduate tuition

    From US$17,158 to US$31,515 per year

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What is the cost of living near California State University, San Marcos?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,176
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,852
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$132
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$70
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$65
Monthly grocery basket$189
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15
Gym membership$45

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced) and numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for California State University, San Marcos

Many international students will require a visa to study in the USA, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at California State University, San Marcos

There are plenty of opportunities for international students to get involved with student life at CSUSM, including student organizations and clubs, events and recreational activities, Greek Life fraternities and sororities, and the San Marcos Cougars varsity athletics teams.

The International Student Advisor service at CSUSM provides dedicated support for international students, including assistance with visas, finances, healthcare, academic support, and help adjusting to life in the USA.

For students who want to live on campus, CSUSM offers several fully furnished apartments and suites, including amenities such as fitness and laundry rooms, as well as common areas. The University also supports finding off-campus and homestay accommodation.

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Student reviews for California State University, San Marcos

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