Physiology, Pathology at California State University-San Marcos
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal State San Marcos graduates from this physiology program earn about $37,000 in their first year—roughly $3,000 above the California median and significantly ahead of the national average. Among California's 13 programs, this places in the 60th percentile, putting it just behind UC Davis and San Francisco State but well ahead of most alternatives. The $16,419 in typical debt is also notably lower than both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that most families would find manageable.
The catch? This data comes from a very small graduating class, so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably. The 96% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (44%) suggest this is an accessible option for students who might not qualify for more selective UC campuses, yet the earnings outcomes rival those more competitive programs. For a parent weighing cost versus results, paying less debt for similar earnings makes basic financial sense.
If your student is considering this path, the combination of low debt and solid early earnings creates breathing room after graduation. Just recognize that with such a small sample, you're betting on limited data points—though the fundamentals (manageable debt at an affordable CSU) provide a decent safety net even if individual results vary.
Where California State University-San Marcos Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physiology, pathology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-San Marcos graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University-San Marcos graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 83th percentile of all physiology, pathology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Physiology, Pathology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-San Marcos | $36,889 | — | $16,419 | 0.45 |
| University of California-Davis | $37,550 | $49,781 | $14,598 | 0.39 |
| San Francisco State University | $36,707 | $62,221 | $17,480 | 0.48 |
| California Baptist University | $31,146 | — | $23,125 | 0.74 |
| California State University-Chico | $25,952 | $50,165 | $19,500 | 0.75 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $23,151 | $40,318 | $17,049 | 0.74 |
| National Median | $30,962 | — | $23,384 | 0.76 |
Other Physiology, Pathology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $37,550 | $14,598 |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco | $7,424 | $36,707 | $17,480 |
| California Baptist University Riverside | $39,720 | $31,146 | $23,125 |
| California State University-Chico Chico | $8,064 | $25,952 | $19,500 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $23,151 | $17,049 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-San Marcos, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.