CSUSM Academic Calendar

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), located in San Marcos, California, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many public universities in the state. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for additional coursework. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-to-late January and ends in mid-May. CSUSM also incorporates standard breaks, including a winter intersession between semesters and a spring break in March or April, aligning with regional school calendars to accommodate students and faculty.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin for the academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus closed for the federal holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated). No classes, with campus offices often closed.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025 (estimated). End-of-semester assessments.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 18, 2026 (estimated). Extended break between semesters.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 30–April 3, 2026 (estimated). Week-long break for students.
• Spring Final Exams: May 11–15, 2026 (estimated). End of academic year assessments.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact date TBD). Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Application Period Opens: October 1, 2024 (estimated). Start of application submissions for Fall 2025 admission via Cal State Apply.
• Priority Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 (estimated). Early submission encouraged for first consideration.
• Regular Decision Deadline: December 15, 2024 (estimated). Final date for most undergraduate applications.
• Admission Decision Notifications: March–April 2025 (estimated). Applicants informed of acceptance status.
• Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Deadline to accept offer of admission and submit intent to enroll.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 (estimated). Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.

The academic calendar at CSUSM aligns closely with other California State University system schools, ensuring consistency for transfer students and those balancing regional commitments. Key holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving are observed, reflecting national norms, while the extended winter break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in internships. Additionally, the admissions timeline adheres to standard cycles for public universities in California, providing ample time for prospective students to prepare applications and secure financial aid. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, CSUSM’s structure supports a balance of academic rigor and personal scheduling needs.