California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university founded in 1989, located in the hills of northern San Diego County. It enrolls more than 17,000 students and operates as part of the California State University system.
CSUSM places particular emphasis on hands-on learning, direct faculty access, and real-world preparation through internships and undergraduate research opportunities. More than half of its graduates are first-generation college students, and the university has received recognition as a national leader in social mobility.
The institution describes its campus as vibrant and diverse, with student success, innovation, and social mobility as central institutional priorities. Its San Marcos location provides access to the broader Southern California economy and professional ecosystem.