California State University - San Marcos Value of an Education

Is California State University - San Marcos a Good Educational Value for the Money?

Check out California State University - San Marcos' educational value before you overpay!

Within California, California State University - San Marcos is Considered an Average Quality College at a Good Price.

California State University - San Marcos' overall average net price combined with an average quality education, results in a good value for the money when compared to other colleges and universities in California. This lands California State University - San Marcos in the #24 slot on our ranking of Best Colleges for the Money in California.

Nationally, This School is Overpriced for the Quality it Delivers

California State University - San Marcos' educational quality places it squarely in the middle tier of our nationwide Overall Best Colleges ranking. However, when compared to other schools that deliver the same caliber of education, the net price to attend Cal State San Marcos is higher than it should be. This has earned it a low #970 ranking on the Best Colleges for the Money list. While this school earns average marks for quality, you can receive a comparable education elsewhere at a better price.

The following graphic shows how the cost of obtaining a degree at California State University - San Marcos compares to other similar quality colleges nationwide.

Underpriced	Best	$104,149 - Hollins University $108,002 - Ferris State University
	Good	$123,187 - Carroll University $125,810 - Millikin University $126,384 - Elmira College
Average	Fair
	Low	$139,499 - Tennessee Technological University $140,011 - California State University - San Marcos $143,471 - Hampton University $144,636 - San Francisco State University
Overpriced	Poor	$155,361 - Montana State University $177,403 - Notre Dame de Namur University

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And the Grand Total Comes To About: $140,011

On average, a bachelor's degree at California State University - San Marcos will cost you about $140,011. This is based on an average price (with and without aid) of $28,215 per year and an average of 5.0 years to graduate.

	Amount
Average Yearly Cost	$28,215
Average Years to Graduate	5.0
Estimated Average Total Cost of Degree	$140,011

Many Factors Affect Net Price.

How does the location of this school affect cost? You can save money by going to a school in-state, living at home or living off-campus with a roommate. Please see the net price page for additional factors, such as your family's income, that can influence the price you will pay for college.

What are Residency Discounts?

You can take a look at our tuition and fees page to find out more.

Is it Worth it For You? Dollar Amount Varies

The overall price of a college may vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances, thus affecting its value. Most students will not pay the full sticker price and few students fit perfectly into 'averages'. To get a sense of how value for your educational dollar might vary based on individual circumstances, look at the table below to determine your likely cost of a bachelor's degree at California State University - San Marcos. Now compare this value metric for each college you are interested in.

Nationwide Value by Aid Group	Avg Total Degree Cost	Affordability Rank	Value Grade
Students Receiving no Aid	$165,582	708	B
All Students (With and Without Aid)	$140,011	985	D+
Only Students Receiving Aid	$125,627	933	C-

In-State Value by Aid Group	Avg Total Degree Cost	Affordability Rank	Value Grade
Students Receiving no Aid	$125,623	17	B+
All Students (With and Without Aid)	$100,051	22	B+
Only Students Receiving Aid	$85,667	26	B

Note: the Value Grade for in-state students is calculated by looking only at other schools in the state of California.

What is Value?

We calculate value by calculating average total cost (net price multiplied by time to graduation) and then compare that number to other schools of similar quality ranking. If the school is priced fairly based on the educational quality it receives a fair ranking. If it is underpriced it receives a good or excellent value.

Read the full methodology article for more.

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California State University - San Marcos Value of an Education

Is California State University - San Marcos a Good Educational Value for the Money?

Within California, California State University - San Marcos is Considered an Average Quality College at a Good Price.

Nationally, This School is Overpriced for the Quality it Delivers

And the Grand Total Comes To About: $140,011

Is it Worth it For You? Dollar Amount Varies

Continue Your Research on Cal State San Marcos

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