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California State University-San Marcos and California State University-Dominguez Hills are both public institutions — California State University-San Marcos in San Marcos, CA and California State University-Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
San Marcos, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 95.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 14,877
Tuition: $20,682/year
Student-faculty ratio: 24.0:1
Graduation rate: 54.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Marcos, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
Carson, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 12,538
Tuition: $20,049/year
Student-faculty ratio: 21.0:1
Graduation rate: 42.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Carson, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
| Factor | California State University-San Marcos | California State University-Dominguez Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 95.1% | 93.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,877 | 12,538 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,682/year | $20,049/year |
| Average net price after aid | $10,229 | $8,615 |
| Graduation rate | 54.6% | 42.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,908 | $57,162 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 24.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Marcos, CA | Carson, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Health professions | Business and marketing, Psychology, Health professions |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (95.1% vs 93.3%). California State University-Dominguez Hills has a lower average net price after grant aid ($8,615 vs $10,229). California State University-San Marcos reports the higher graduation rate (54.6% vs 42.8%). California State University-San Marcos is the larger undergraduate campus (14,877 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-San Marcos and California State University-Dominguez Hills
California State University-San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95.1%; California State University-Dominguez Hills is around 93.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-San Marcos tuition is $20,682/year. California State University-Dominguez Hills is $20,049/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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