Cal State Long Beach vs CSU San Marcos

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos?

  CSU Long Beach (CSULB) is a large, comprehensive university located in a major metropolitan area, offering a wide array of programs and a vibrant campus life. CSU San Marcos (CSUSM) is a smaller, more intimate university located in North San Diego County, known for its strong sense of community and focus on student success. CSULB tends to be more impacted, meaning admission can be more competitive for certain programs. CSUSM offers a more personalized experience due to its smaller size.

• Where are CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos located?

  CSU Long Beach is located in Long Beach, California, a large coastal city in Los Angeles County. CSU San Marcos is located in San Marcos, California, a city in North San Diego County, about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  CSU Long Beach has a large, bustling campus with a diverse student body and numerous activities. It's close to the beach and offers a classic college town feel within a larger city. CSU San Marcos has a more relaxed and close-knit campus environment. It's known for its beautiful scenery and strong sense of community. The atmosphere is generally considered less hectic than CSULB.

• What academic programs are CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos known for?

  CSU Long Beach is renowned for its programs in the arts (especially film and design), engineering, business, and healthcare. CSU San Marcos is known for its programs in nursing, business, education, and biotechnology. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specialization differ.

• What is the average class size at CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos?

  Due to its larger size, CSU Long Beach generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. CSU San Marcos, with its smaller student population, typically offers smaller class sizes, allowing for more interaction with professors.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos?

  The tuition and fees are generally comparable between CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos, as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and personal expenses. Living in Long Beach might be slightly more expensive than living in San Marcos.

• What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

  CSU Long Beach offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, reflecting its large and diverse student body. There are numerous opportunities for involvement in sports, arts, and academic pursuits. CSU San Marcos also offers a variety of student organizations and activities, with a focus on creating a strong sense of community and providing opportunities for leadership development. Both universities have active Greek life.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos?

  Both CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. CSU Long Beach benefits from its location in a major metropolitan area, providing access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities. CSU San Marcos has strong connections with local businesses in North San Diego County, offering internship opportunities in fields such as biotechnology and healthcare.

• How do the admission requirements compare between CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos?

  Admission requirements are generally similar across the CSU system, including CSU Long Beach and CSU San Marcos. However, due to its higher demand, CSU Long Beach may have slightly more competitive admission standards for certain programs. It's important to check the specific requirements for your intended major on each university's website.

• Which university is better for me: CSU Long Beach or CSU San Marcos?

  The best university for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prefer a large, diverse campus in a major city with a wide range of programs and activities, CSU Long Beach might be a good fit. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate campus with a strong sense of community and personalized attention, CSU San Marcos might be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses and talking to current students to get a better feel for each university.