Palomar College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Palomar, the 100% acceptance rate means admission is not the main hurdle, so your strategy should shift to starting strong once you enroll. Since Palomar is test-optional, SAT or ACT prep is best used as a readiness check while you focus on placement, transfer planning, and staying on track.
⬡ LangSmith64cb03c6-632b-4013-b08f-6c0faf80036bData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Palomar College facts and stats
Palomar College enrolls 19,550 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Palomar has a 70% freshman retention rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 25:1.
⬡ LangSmith6e4717b2-5b7d-4b64-a8bd-c01025be4967San Marcos, CA
Key Palomar College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 28
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Palomar, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. Since Palomar does not offer Early Action or Early Decision, use its regular admission deadline as your score-arrival target and choose the latest fall retake whose scores will arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmithcaf1ba41-793d-4c8d-8998-50ddb28de18dWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Palomar College?
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What you'll actually pay
Palomar is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,380 and out-of-state tuition of $12,060. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the May 28 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmith1e47eed8-1832-4804-92e3-c2f0f60b3e7a
Out-of-state tuition at Palomar College is $12,060, while in-state tuition is $1,380. Room and board is $25,804, so living costs may be the largest part of the budget for many students. Actual net cost will depend on aid eligibility, housing choices, books, fees, and personal expenses.
⬡ LangSmithf150c048-8a73-4c0c-9140-9197d6195aebStudent life at Palomar College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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