You would borrow a median $17,350 — about $197 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $62,908 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.7 years of the salary premium.
Yes — you clear the borrowing faster than at most US universities.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
We do not list an award tied specifically to California State University, San Marcos yet — but national, country and subject scholarships still apply to students heading there, and each one cuts the $17,350 above.
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The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. California State University, San Marcos clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $23,388 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Lutheran University California | B | $21,669 | $68,712 | 0.7 yrs |
| California State University, San Bernardino California | B | $14,715 | $59,977 | 0.7 yrs |
| California State University, Northridge California | B | $13,872 | $59,115 | 0.7 yrs |
| University of Redlands California | B | $26,000 | $72,690 | 0.8 yrs |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills California | B | $13,807 | $57,162 | 0.8 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.