University of Southern California and California State University-San Marcos are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. USC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, CA and Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| University of Southern California | vs. | California State University-San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, California | Location | San Marcos, California |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Research University (very high research activity) | Carnegie Classification | Master's College and University (larger programs) |
| $71,647 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682 |
| 69% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 63% |
| $48,649 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $11,025 |
| 9.81 % | Acceptance Rates | 95.10 % |
| 43.34 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 13.99 % |
| 1,500 | SAT Score | - |
| 33 | ACT Score | - |
| 92 % | Graduation Rate | 55 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 4 % |
| 96 % | Retention Rate | 79 % |
| 46,566 | Student Population | 16,237 |
| 2,442 | Number of Faculties | 416 |
| 9 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 24 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare |