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AdmissionsOS

California State University-San Marcos vs San Francisco State University

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-San Marcos San Francisco State University
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 95% 96%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $10,229 $12,278
Sticker cost of attendance $21,649 $26,488
Graduation rate 55% 50%
Retention rate 79% 83%
Undergraduates 14,877 18,639
Student-faculty ratio 24:1 19:1
Setting San Marcos, CA San Francisco, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $70
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-San Marcos or San Francisco State University harder to get into?

California State University-San Marcos is more selective, with a 95% acceptance rate versus 96% at San Francisco State University. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-San Marcos or San Francisco State University?

California State University-San Marcos has the lower average net price ($10,229 versus $12,278). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.