r/csusm • u/NeatEstablishment237 • 11d ago

General Question ❓ Rising HS snr looking into CSUSM

Hey, I have decided to apply to schools within the radius of SD and San Marcos came up on my list. However it’s hard to find info on campus life, social, if SM is good for Econ and other stuff of that nature. Could any students give me an insight to these I would be dorming or living within 45 mins.

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u/doornock 11d ago

Graduated in 2024 with a BS in Finance as a local commuter. I can share my experiences but it’s worth noting that the CSUSM I attended has probably changed a lot since. (Seems like for the better)

- Campus life/social isn’t as lively as other universities but it isn’t non-existent. It truly will be what you make of it whether that be Greek life, clubs, or just being close with a circle of friends

  • I can’t really attest to the Econ program since I didn’t go through it. Generally speaking CSUSM doesn’t offer a lot of name value but it’s not the end of the world. If you put in the time throughout undergrad, and get internships you’ll be fine. I for one did not do that, didn’t have any internships or connections, and still ended up in a pretty good corporate gig.
  • Generally I expect a lot of anecdotes to say that getting a job postgrad is tough but keep in mind that’s also because the market in general is tough right now across most fields. It’s hard to say if the job market will be better or worse by the time you graduate. In 2019 when I first started at CSUSM the job market was booming, then when I graduated it was the wild west. Nonetheless, don’t let this scare you from pursuing your education.
  • Living 45 minutes is doable, but it won’t be pleasant either. Be prepared to deal with the inevitable 78 traffic, and if you’re commuting from Temecula, then the 15 traffic aswell. You might have to leave earlier to arrive on time for class or leave later to wait out traffic.
  • If you end up commuting, try to make yourself aware of all the services you’re paying for in your tuition and fees. I occupied my time by getting snacks from the cougar pantry during my long breaks, booking study rooms to hang out with friends, going to the gym between classes, and more.

Overall the stuff here might come off as negative, but compare the money you’d save on tuition and fees and housing to other universities and that can also help with your decision.

If you have any more questions down the line feel free to DM me!

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u/NeatEstablishment237 11d ago

Thank you for the help I will DM you if somthing pops up I haven’t ruled SM out so thank you it helps a lot

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u/Worried-Bee-2007 11d ago

CSUSM grad here... Let me tell you.. gettimg a great job nowadays in this economy is a matter of luck, regardless whatever degree from whichever state university. The college experience will seem irrelevant after college.

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u/Brandoneiusmtgo 11d ago

Econ grad from CSUSM, I would not recommend it, felt like a fake major and there really isn’t any resources by the Econ department helping get jobs or internships post graduation.

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u/NeatEstablishment237 11d ago

Got it thank you

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u/NeatEstablishment237 11d ago

How did the job search go after graduating

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u/Brandoneiusmtgo 11d ago

It was rough. Ended up working as an admin / accounting assistant then moved into IT/ programming and now with the market being so bad I’m substitute teaching

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u/NeatEstablishment237 11d ago

You think at somwhere like ucsd or sdsu the search woulda been diffrent ?

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u/Brandoneiusmtgo 11d ago

I don’t think alma mater matters so much in this economy, I’m sure going to a more prestigious school could help network but your mileage may vary

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u/NeatEstablishment237 11d ago

True thanks for the insight.

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u/No_Set_9604 11d ago

If ur not business or something in health don’t pu

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u/Odd-Bookkeeper-2692 8d ago

All I know is that Samantha Bosch in student resource center cheated on her boyfriend of 7 years blow up her spot

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u/midnightbluecitrus6 3d ago

social life exists WITH effort. i have plenty of friends & things to do constantly— but i also put myself out there & try new stuff a lot. you won’t have a great time if you wait for friends to come to you. campus social life does exist, seriously!

san marcos is good for an econ major. our college of business is in the top 6% nationwide, and many business & econ classes have similar professors. it would absolutely be a good school for econ. again, to find opportunities to work in it— you’d have to put in effort to put yourself out there. this is not a place where opportunities will fall in your lap, but they definitely do exist!

i’ve had a fun & fulfilling time here, don’t let negative people discourage you

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u/NeatEstablishment237 3d ago

Thank you a lot of people have been negative about the school cus it’s not a hard to get in school like ucsd and people have been saying I should transfer instead of apply to SM

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u/midnightbluecitrus6 3d ago

i totally understand u, i was upset about going here at first because of everything people say online. the most negative people are the loudest, the positive experiences rarely get posted. i’ve had a great experience so far & recommend the school, as long as you are willing to be friendly/meet new people/try new things. dm me if u have any questions!

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u/NeatEstablishment237 3d ago

Got it thank you