San Marcos is a safe, suburban city located in North San Diego County, about 37 miles
(60 km) north of downtown San Diego and 100 miles (160 km) south of downtown Los Angeles.
For more information, visit the LOCATION page.
Though we have a rolling admissions process, we recommend that you apply as soon as
possible or at least two months before the semester begins. You should allow enough
time for your application to be processed, for you to schedule your F-1 visa interview,
housing, etc. On-campus housing fills up very quickly.
Yes. Students may apply to the ALCI and for conditional admission to California State
University San Marcos. For more information, visit the Conditional Admission page.
The total amount of tuition, fees and other costs depends on the amount of time you
will spend at the ALCI. Visit our Program Dates and Costs page for the cost table by program for more information.
TOEFL Equivalency means that for graduate or undergraduate admission to California
State University San Marcos, you may need not take the TOEFL if you meet certain requirements.
Students completing the Intensive English Pathway advanced classes may be recommended
to CSU San Marcos.
An English Profiency test is not required for enrollment in the Intensive English
Pathway program, but you should have basic English skills. Test scores are required for the University Access Program and Study @ CSU San Marcos program.
Yes. If you are in the advanced levels of the IEP program, or a UAP or Study @ CSU
San Marcos program student, you may take a university class or classes with American
students for transferable credit.
Students enrolled in the IEP program will take a placement test on the first day of
the semester to determine their class level. You will also take a post-test at the
end of each semester. Post-test results determine class levels for continuing students.
Yes. ALCI students may apply to live in University Village Apartments (UVA), the QUAD
or North Commons. To live in on campus, you must plan to attend at least one full
semester at the ALCI. Apply very early. on-campus housing fills up quickly. Please
visit the ALCI Housing webpage for more information and options.