by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a CSUSM degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how CSUSM measures up.
CSUSM is ranked #357 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of B- (above average for value). Within California, it ranks #64 of 304 for value.
These CSUSM majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | #2 of 237 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology | #2 of 273 |
| Biology | #2 of 273 |
| Biotechnology | #3 of 34 |
| Other Physics | #5 of 34 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | #5 of 52 |
| General Human Development & Family Studies | #7 of 104 |
| Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist | #7 of 123 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #7 of 123 |
| Environmental Studies | #7 of 249 |
Read the full CSUSM value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
California State University-San Marcos is ranked #49 out of #346 in California for quality and #64 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the CSUSM financial aid page to be sure.
California State University-San Marcos is ranked #357 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
California State University-San Marcos is priced competitively for the quality of education it provides, earning it a good value recognition from College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at CSUSM costs about $14,247. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $56,986 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $21,389 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $10,229 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $14,247 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,986 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the CSUSM net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a CSUSM degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $85,556 | — | — |
| All Students | $56,986 | #357 | B- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $40,916 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $85,556 | — | — |
| All Students | $56,986 | #64 | B+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $40,916 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at CSUSM shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $6,812 |
| $30K–$48K | $7,246 |
| $48K–$75K | $9,980 |
| $75K–$110K | $13,773 |
| Over $110K | $19,772 |
About 64% of CSUSM undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $11,025 per year. Get more details on the CSUSM financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the CSUSM net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.