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California State University - San Marcos
  • 4 Year
  • SAN MARCOS, CA
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CollegeGrad School
The California State University
California State University - San Marcos
#626 in Best Colleges in America
  • B
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • SAN MARCOS, CA
  • 1,849 reviews
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    California State University - San Marcos Campus Life

    Housing

    Dorms
    B+
    Based on housing cost, capacity, student reviews and additional factors.
    On-Campus Housing Available
    Yes
    Freshmen Required to Live on Campus
    No
    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    Undergrads in College Housing
    15%
    Average Housing Cost
    $9,200 / year
    Poll
    52%
    of students say overall dorm quality is great. 511 responses
    Poll
    59%
    of students say the dorms' social atmosphere is great. 176 responses

    Food

    Campus Food
    unavailable
    Based on meal plan cost and student reviews on the food.
    Meal Plan Available
    No
    Average Meal Plan Cost
    Poll
    What are the best food options on campus?
    Based on 130 responses
    • The Student Union
      45%
    • New cafeteria with many options
      16%
    • New food under the dorms
      12%
    • I usually go somewhere else to eat.
      8%
    • Chispa is unique & not that expensive.
      8%
    • Panda Express
      5%
    • At my school we only have a cafeteria on campus
      2%
    41%
    of students highly rate the dining facilities. 125 responses

    Campus Quality

    Campus
    A minus
    Based on quality of housing, food services, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Life
    B+
    Based on campus diversity, social scene, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Poll
    What is your overall opinion of your school and the campus community?
    Based on 83 responses
    • I love everything about my school and have a lot of campus pride.
      31%
    • I like mostly everything about my school, but there are some things I wish were different.
      47%
    • The school community is okay-we're all just here for an education, nothing more.
      17%
    • I hate my school and have no school spirit.
      5%

    Safety

    Safety
    A minus
    Based on crimes on campus, local area crime rates, and student reviews.
    Poll
    88%
    of students say they feel extremely safe and secure on campus. 99 responses
    Poll
    How does peer pressure affect students' use of drugs and alcohol?
    Based on 54 responses
    • You can have a great social life without drugs or alcohol.
      46%
    • Most people partake in some form, but no one treats you differently if you don't.
      41%
    • You'll definitely feel a little awkward if you don't drink.
      9%
    • If you don't partake, you're left out.
      4%
    Poll
    How visible are the campus police on campus?
    Based on 74 responses
    • Extremely present and willing to assist students.
      41%
    • There if you need them but not overbearing.
      38%
    • Just there to bust up parties or give out parking tickets.
      12%
    • Not very visible.
      9%

    Sports

    Poll
    How popular are varsity sports on campus?
    Based on 194 responses
    • Almost everything on campus revolves around them.
      3%
    • Varsity sports are a big part of campus life.
      16%
    • Varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.
      65%
    • No one pays attention to varsity sports.
      16%
    Men's Varsity Sports
    All Track Combined, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer
    Women's Varsity Sports
    All Track Combined, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs Offered
    Dance, Drama/Theater, International Student Organizations, Student Government, Newspaper
    Music
    Music Ensembles
    Poll
    What are your favorite campus events or traditions?
    Based on 83 responses
    • Free food events
      20%
    • Welcome BBQ
      18%
    • I do not attend campus events
      13%
    • Sport events
      12%
    • Greek Life
      11%
    • Masquerade Ball
      8%
    • Food
      7%
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    Party Scene

    Party Scene
    B minus
    Based on access to bars and student reviews on the party scene.
    Poll
    What is the party scene like on campus?
    Based on 118 responses
    • Tons of raging parties almost any night of the week.
      3%
    • Lots of options Wednesday-Saturday.
      18%
    • Some decent frat/house parties, weekends only.
      24%
    • Good parties are few and far between.
      26%
    • Parties? What parties?
      30%
    Poll
    What is the biggest social event of the year?
    Based on 63 responses
    • not sure
      16%
    • I would say the homecoming celebration.
      14%
    • Sandy Lane for Halloween
      14%
    • End of semester
      13%
    • Halloween
      13%
    • Grad night
      11%
    • New Years Eve
      8%

    Greek Life

    Men in Fraternities
    Women in Sororities
    49%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join. 158 responses
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