7-story Cal State San Marcos residence hall to provide housing for 555 low-income kids
A recent state audit found California’s public college and universities aren’t developing enough housing for students. While few California campuses have the available land or money to address the problem, Cal State San Marcos does.
The on-campus housing shortage leads to more crowding in neighborhoods close to campus and skyrocketing leases, which is why, in January 2024, CSUSM began construction on a 2.5-acre site on the northern side of campus that used to be a parking lot. When finished, the 137,000 square foot structure will boast a three-wing configuration with seven stories. Inside will be a 10,000 sq. foot dining facility and 555 beds, two-thirds of which will be designated for underserved, low-income students.
Fifty-six percent of CSUSM’s students come from underserved communities.
On Monday, the university hosted a tour of the new residential hall. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who was on hand for the event, called the residence hall “a game changer for so many students.”
The building is set to open in the fall of 2026, coinciding with the start of the fall semester.
The project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California legislature.
