CSUSM Acceptance Rate

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), located in San Marcos, California, is a public university within the California State University system. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), CSUSM reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 95.2%, reflecting its commitment to accessibility as a regional institution. This rate is influenced by factors such as a growing applicant pool, driven by the university’s expanding academic programs and proximity to San Diego, as well as broader trends in higher education access within California. While CSUSM does publish some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns for specific categories like early action or international students are not always publicly available.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 95.2% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 15,000 applicants and over 14,200 admitted students, indicating a relatively inclusive admissions process compared to prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable. Based on historical trends within the CSU system, early action rates are often similar to overall rates, estimated at around 95.0%.
• International Student Rate: Data unavailable. Given CSUSM’s regional focus, international admissions are likely less competitive, with an estimated rate of 90.0% based on system-wide norms.

Over recent years, CSUSM has maintained a high acceptance rate, aligning with its mission to serve a diverse student body in Southern California. Unlike more selective institutions in the region, such as University of California campuses, CSUSM prioritizes access over exclusivity, though slight fluctuations in rates may occur due to increasing applications. The university’s selectivity remains low compared to peer institutions like UC San Diego, which often have acceptance rates below 30%. For students seeking detailed or historical data, visiting the official CSUSM admissions page at csusm.edu/admissions or reviewing the Common Data Set provides valuable insights into admission trends and criteria.