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Founded in 1989, California State University San Marcos opened its doors to students in Fall 1990, becoming the 20th campus to be established in the 22-campus CSU system. Today, more than 17,000 students attend the 304-acre campus, which is located in the foothills of northern San Diego County, just a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border. CSUSM is a dynamic university with a global vision.
A distinctive feature of the university curriculum is its emphasis on hands-on experiences. The campus’ modern, state-of-the-art facilities provide students access to science and computer labs featuring some of the finest equipment available today. CSUSM prepares students to become life-long learners and productive contributors to a global society by helping them acquire knowledge and develop skills and values. CSUSM is one of 67 public universities in the U.S. recognized by the Carnegie Foundation in the Community Engagement Classification for both Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships.
In just three decades, CSUSM has become the “University of Choice” for an increasing number of students throughout Southern California and ranked in the top 1% in the nation for advancing students’ social mobility. The campus’ success is built on the foundation of its core mission, which ensures students will become the leaders of tomorrow.
The university’s five strategic goals ̶ academic excellence, student success, inclusive excellence, culture of care, community partnerships and distinctive identity and reputation ̶ keep it on track in meeting today’s challenges while building a legacy of access to quality education.
Student Profile
| Gender |
|
| Male |
41.3% |
| Female |
58.4% |
| Nonbinary |
.03% |
| Ethnicity |
|
| African American/Black |
4.0% |
| Asian & Pacific Islander |
9.1% |
| Latinx |
50.8% |
| Native American |
0.3% |
| White |
24.9% |
| Other /Unknown |
4% |
| Multiple Race |
6.2% |
| Campus Community |
|
| Undergraduate |
92.2% |
| Credential |
1.2% |
| Graduate |
6.6% |
Most Popular Undergraduate Majors
| Business Administration |
19% |
| Kinesiology |
8.1% |
| Psychology |
7.9% |
| Criminology and Justice Studies |
5.4% |
| Computer Science and Information |
5.4% |
| Nursing / Pre-Health |
4.4% |
| Liberal Studies |
3.3% |
| Sociology |
3.3% |
| Communication |
3% |
Campus Life
 CSUSM students can choose from more than 100 student organizations, Greek affiliations, sports and recreational clubs, and multicultural programs. Students have the opportunity to enjoy leadership development, build a support network, and plan activities. The diverse array of student organizations offers students numerous opportunities to enhance their academic and social life on campus.
Go to https://www.csusm.edu/orgs/index.html for a student organizations directory.
Student Housing
Living in Student Housing is a great way to experience CSUSM with convenient access to campus amenities. CSUSM offers four unique communities for students: University Village Apartments (UVA), The QUAD, North Commons, and our newest housing project opening Fall 2026, Black Oak Hall. UVA and The QUAD offer fully furnished apartments with kitchens, common areas, and private and shared-room options, exclusively for CSUSM students. North Commons offers furnished suites that include an ensuite bathroom and modern common area space. The three wings of Black Oak Hall are linked to shared study, gathering, and social spaces on each floor with laundry and other amenities on the ground floor. Black Oak Hall and North Commons are for first-year CSUSM students, and residents are required to take advantage of a CSUSM meal plan. All units offer on-site professional staff and student support for the residents. All residents are able to access community amenities at each complex, including community programming, study spaces, community rooms, recreation areas, a fitness center, and pools.
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