Founded in 1989 as the 20th CSU campus, Cal State San Marcos is now a public, coeducational university, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as one Doctoral program.

The University has distinguished itself through one of the fastest growing campuses in the CSU system, high quality and technologically supported education.

Academics
CSU San Marcos is comprised of three colleges, which are College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business Administration, and College of Education. Besides, there is also a School of Nursing offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which can be pursued either through full-time study or part-time study.

Moreover, CSU San Marcos offers courses through Extended Learning for the purposes of professional advancement, career transition, degree completion, intellectual growth and personal enrichment. The variety of programs available through Extended Learning includes:

• continuing education and training opportunities
• customized a programs
• Open University programs
• online certificates and professional programs

The online certificate and degree programs offer numerous fields of study to choose from and develop skills. The major fields are Business & Professional Development, Computer and Technology, Health, Hospitality, Languages, Legal Studies, Personal Enrichment, and Teacher Education.

California State University, San Marcos is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Financial Aid
Up to 50 per cent of students at Cal State San Marcos receive some kind of financial aid. The latter comprises a number of options including grants, student loans, scholarships, student employment opportunities, and payment plans.