Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
California State University-San Marcos and San Francisco State University are both public institutions — California State University-San Marcos in San Marcos, CA and San Francisco State University in San Francisco, 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.
San Francisco, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 96.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 18,639
Tuition: $20,550/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 50.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Francisco, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Visual and performing arts.
| Factor | California State University-San Marcos | San Francisco State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 95.1% | 96.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,877 | 18,639 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,682/year | $20,550/year |
| Average net price after aid | $10,229 | $12,278 |
| Graduation rate | 54.6% | 50.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,908 | $68,077 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 24.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Marcos, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Health professions | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (95.1% vs 96.4%). California State University-San Marcos has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,229 vs $12,278). California State University-San Marcos reports the higher graduation rate (54.6% vs 50.4%). San Francisco State University is the larger undergraduate campus (18,639 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.
California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-San Bernardino
95.1% vs 93.7% acceptance rate
California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-Fresno
95.1% vs 95.3% acceptance rate
California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-Dominguez Hills
95.1% vs 93.3% acceptance rate
California State University-San Marcos vs California State University-Chico
95.1% vs 92.7% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between California State University-San Marcos and San Francisco State University
California State University-San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95.1%; San Francisco State University is around 96.4%. 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. San Francisco State University is $20,550/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool