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College information›CA›California State University, San Marcos›Cost & aid
Division II · California Collegiate Athletic Association

California State University, San Marcos · Cost & aid

San Marcos, CA · Suburb · Public · Master's university · the Cougars · Website ↗

Built for athletes. The numbers a recruit needs and a coach won't volunteer: roster room, the money behind the program, admissions fit, what a family really pays, campus life and safety.

$38,503
Cost of attendance
out-of-state, on campus
$26,623
In-state
on campus
$10,500
Average net price
top 10% for affordability in Division II
$449k
Athletic aid, women's
$1,871 per roster spot
$409k
Athletic aid, men's
$2,590 per roster spot

Net price by family income

What aided first-year students actually paid after grants and scholarships, by family income — against the $38,503 sticker.

Family income under $30k$6,812
$30k – $48k$7,246
$48k – $75k$9,980
$75k – $110k$13,773
Over $110k$19,772

Need-based aid only; athletic aid is on top.

Athletic aid

  • Athletic aid to women's teams$449,250
  • Per roster spot$1,871 across 240 women's roster spots
  • Athletic aid to men's teams$409,256
  • Per roster spot$2,590 across 158 men's roster spots
  • Recruiting spend, women's / men's$14k / $18k
  • Tuition & fees$7,734 in-state · $19,614 out
Per-roster-spot aid is an average across every team of that gender; football and basketball take most of it at many schools. Ask the coach what this program funds. Since 2025-26 there is no cap on how many players on a Division I roster may be on scholarship.

Where it ranks

Among Division II schools; every list California State University, San Marcos is on.

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