About:
At CSUSM, our mission revolves around student success. We prioritize fostering a culture of support, delivering exceptional and affordable education, and equipping students to become the socially conscious leaders and change agents of tomorrow. Our passionate faculty and staff are dedicated to nurturing students’ holistic growth—academically, socially, professionally, and personally—through innovative educational approaches and meaningful community partnerships.
Rankings, awards, and/or accreditations: CSUSM has been a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since 2010, with its Latinx student population increasing from 27% to over 50% by 2023. The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is further highlighted by receiving the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for eight consecutive years. CSUSM ranks 17th nationally in social mobility and 12th in student experience according to the 2024 Best Colleges in America list by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse. Additionally, the university was ranked 13th on the list of Safest College Campuses in America in 2018. The College of Business Administration at CSUSM is accredited by AACSB International, and the School of Nursing’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Link to videos: https://www.csusm.edu/outreach/prospective/tour/videos.html
Location:
San Marcos, California
Academic Programs
Programs that can be started and/or completed online from anywhere in the US or LATAM: CSUSM offers a variety of online programs that can be started and completed from anywhere in the U.S. or Latin America. These include bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificate programs, and professional development courses across various fields. These online programs are designed to provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to pursue their education without needing to be physically present on campus. For more details on specific programs and enrollment information, you can visit the CSUSM online programs page: CSUSM Online Programs. For additional inquiries, you can reach out to the Extended Learning department at el@csusm.edu or call (760) 750-4004. LINK: https://www.csusm.edu/el/programs/online.html
Pathways your Institution offers to bachelor’s and/or graduate programs in areas where Hispanics are underrepresented: Center for Training, Research, and Educational Excellence (CTREE) = enhances the educational and research experiences of students from historically/presently excluded and underserved backgrounds TRIO McNair is committed to assisting students thrive during their undergraduate experience through involvement in research opportunities and dedicated mentoring. Our goal is for you to attend graduate school and be successful in that environment.
Student Mobility
Internships, student trips, and/or cultural experiences that expose students to a bilingual environment or immersion in Spanish: https://www.csusm.edu/latinocenter/index.html — The Latinx Center at CSUSM celebrates and enhances the understanding of our vast and extensive Latinx culture.
Study abroad programs: CSUSM students have a wide array of Study Abroad options available, from programs of a few weeks to a full academic year. — Website link: https://www.csusm.edu/global/studyabroad/studyabroadprograms.html
Financial Aid
CSUSM offers grants and scholarships to help students and families address financial challenges: https://www.csusm.edu/finaid/scholarships/index.html
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a part-time employment program designed to help students meet educational expenses. Website: https://www.csusm.edu/finaid/fatypes/programs/work_study.html
Student Support Services
CSUSM provides a range of resources and support to ensure students’ basic needs—such as food, housing, financial assistance, health, and technology—are met, helping them succeed academically and personally. Website: https://www.csusm.edu/students/needs/index.html