What TOEFL score do you need for Cal State San Marcos?

At undergraduate level the writing section carries the highest bar, at 19, while every other section needs at least 14. The master's page sets an overall figure only.

TOEFL iBT score reports from January 2026 also carry a 1 to 6 band score; our guide to the new TOEFL score scale explains how the two scales appear on a report.

For comparison, the freshman and transfer page sets IELTS at 5.5 with writing 5.5 and no band below 5.0, and the master's page sets 6.0 with writing 6.0 and no band below 5.5.

Freshman applicants without a passing score can apply for guaranteed conditional admission through CSUSM's English language programme. Master's applicants can be exempt with a bachelor's degree from a US university or from an institution where English is the principal language of instruction.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CSUSM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.