Overview
The School of Nursing at California State University San Marcos was established to address the growing demand for registered nurses in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside counties. Housed within the College of Health and Human Services, the school has built a reputation for strong NCLEX pass rates and close partnerships with regional hospital systems such as Tri-City Medical Center, Palomar Health, and Kaiser Permanente. It offers a BSN program along with RN-to-BSN pathways and graduate-level nursing options designed for working professionals seeking advancement.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | San Marcos, California |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $78,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $7,600 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,500 |
| Room & board | $15,800 |
| Average financial aid | $12,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.4 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- BSN
- RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.