Admission Requirements — California State University San Marcos

Institutional Profile

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70 percent overall.
• Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 14,000 students.
• International Students: Representing over 30 countries.

Qualification Requirements for International Applicants

• GPA Requirement:
  • International Students: Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Competitive candidates present 3.2 or higher.
  • Nursing (BSN): Minimum 3.3 GPA. Highly impacted.
  • Business Administration: Minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Computer Science: Minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Kinesiology: Minimum 2.8 GPA.
• English Proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: 61 (18 in writing).
  • IELTS: 5.5 (no band below 5.0).
  • Duolingo: 95.
  • PTE: 45.
• Supplemental Application: Not required.
• SAT/ACT: Test-blind. Scores not considered.
• Financial Documentation: $38,000 USD required for I-20 issuance.
• Deadlines:
  • Priority (Fall): November 30.
  • Regular (Fall): January 31.
  • Spring: October 1.
• Credential Evaluation: NACES-approved evaluation required for all international transcripts.
• Visa: F-1 student visa required. I-20 issued after admission.

Additional Tips

• Complete the optional CSU Personal Insight Questions for enhanced consideration.
• Apply by November 30 for priority scholarship consideration.
• International students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week.
• Nursing applicants must complete science prerequisites with no withdrawals.

Summary: CSUSM admits international students with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Nursing requires 3.3 GPA. Business and Computer Science require 3.0 GPA. Apply by November 30. Submit NACES credential evaluation and financial documentation for I-20.

Deadline: November 30 priority. Nursing and Computer Science fill early.