California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) — 2026
What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)?
California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026
What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 960-1140, with an average of 1050. California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) has an acceptance rate of 95.1%, making it accessible. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 95.1% |
| SAT Score Range (25th-75th) | 960 - 1140 |
| Average SAT Score | 1050 |
| ACT Score Range (25th-75th) | 17 - 22 |
| Average ACT Score | 20 |
| Average GPA | 3.18 |
| Application Deadline | 30th Nov |
SAT Score Requirements
The middle 50% of admitted students at California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) score between 960 and 1140 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 960, and 25% scored above 1140.
| SAT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading & Writing | 480 | 580 |
| Math | 480 | 560 |
| Composite | 960 | 1140 |
What SAT score do you need for California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)? To be competitive, aim for at least 1110. A score of 1140 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.
ACT Score Requirements
The middle 50% ACT composite score range at California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) is 17-22.
| ACT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| English | 16 | 22 |
| Math | 17 | 22 |
| Composite | 17 | 22 |
GPA Requirements
The average GPA of admitted students at California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) is 3.18. A solid B+ average puts you in the competitive range.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | 30th Nov |
Cost Overview
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $8,082 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,682 |
Check Your Chances
Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM). You can also view the full California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average SAT score for California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)?
The average SAT score for admitted students at California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) is 1050.
What ACT score do I need for California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM)?
The average ACT score is 20.
Is California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 95.1%, California State University-San Marcos (CSUSM) is accessible to students with solid academic records.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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