Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

Total Enrollment

15,431

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

94 programs

Full-Time Students

11,848

2,398 part-time

Total FTE

13,172

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

21:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

3943

Total Recent Graduates

With 15,431 students, California State University-San Marcos is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 94 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 11,848 (83.2%)

83.2%

Part-Time Students 2,398 (16.8%)

16.8%

Total Students 14,246

Predominantly full-time students (83.2%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (76.8%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

59.5%

9,175 students

Men

40.5%

6,256 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Hispanic/Latino

50.4%

7,770 students

Hispanic/Latino

50.4% (7,770)

White

25.6% (3,945)

Asian

9.5% (1,470)

Two or More Races

5.9% (912)

Black/African American

3.8% (582)

International Students

1.2% (191)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (49)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.3% (49)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 15,431 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 50% of the student body (7,770 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

14,246 students

42% Men, 58% Women

11,848 Full-time 2,398 Part-time

Diversity Index: 66% • Minority Students: 65%

Graduate students

1,185 students

28% Men, 72% Women

847 Full-time 338 Part-time

Diversity Index: 70% • Minority Students: 54%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

12,695

All full-time students

5,068 men, 7,627 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Undergraduate

11,848

Full-time undergraduate

4,831 men, 7,017 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Degree-Seeking

11,826

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

4,823 men, 7,003 women

Diversity: 65%

FT First-Time

2,500

Full-time first-time students

1,027 men, 1,473 women

Diversity: 62%

FT Continuing

9,326

Full-time continuing students

3,796 men, 5,530 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Transfer

1,577

Full-time transfer students

684 men, 893 women

Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

7,749

Full-time other continuing

3,112 men, 4,637 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

8 men, 14 women

Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

847

Full-time graduate students

237 men, 610 women

Diversity: 69%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,736

All part-time students

1,188 men, 1,548 women

Diversity: 69%

PT Undergraduate

2,398

Part-time undergraduate

1,098 men, 1,300 women

Diversity: 69%

PT Degree-Seeking

2,348

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

1,081 men, 1,267 women

Diversity: 69%

PT First-Time

125

Part-time first-time students

62 men, 63 women

Diversity: 60%

PT Continuing

2,223

Part-time continuing students

1,019 men, 1,204 women

Diversity: 69%

PT Transfer

375

Part-time transfer students

175 men, 200 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Continuing

1,848

Part-time other continuing

844 men, 1,004 women

Diversity: 69%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

17 men, 33 women

Diversity: 75%

PT Graduate

338

Part-time graduate students

90 men, 248 women

Diversity: 73%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

3,551

White

543

Black/African American

7,279

Hispanic/Latino

1,364

Asian

139

International

Diversity Index: 66% Minority Students: 65%

Graduate students

394

White

Black/African American

491

Hispanic/Latino

106

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 70% Minority Students: 54%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About California State University-San Marcos

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About California State University-San Marcos's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 15,431 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (76.8%) in a traditional academic setting.

• Academic Intensity: 13,172 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 57% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (21:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

7607504000

Address

333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd

San Marcos, CA 92096-0001

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials