College comparison

California State University-San Marcos vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
Acceptance rateLouisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is more selective	95%	73%
SAT (25–75)	—	1180–1340
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	14,877	30,594
Avg net price	$10,229	$19,151
Median earnings (10 yr)California State University-San Marcos reports higher median earnings	$62,908	$61,251
Graduation rate	55%	69%
Median debt	$17,350	$20,500
Economic mobility	2.1%	—
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is California State University-San Marcos or Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College harder to get into?

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is more selective: California State University-San Marcos's acceptance rate is approximately 95% and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's is approximately 73% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for California State University-San Marcos vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at California State University-San Marcos and 1180–1340 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.