Cal State San Marcos students have voted to raise their recreation fees by 600% — from the current $35 per semester to $245 per semester beginning in 2026-27 academic year.
The big hike will help fund construction of a wellness and recreation facility on campus, the school announced Friday.
While only 1,807 students cast ballots — around 11.9% of eligible student voters — the “yes” votes carried the day by a margin of 64.6% to 35.4%, according to the school. Voting took place between Monday and Wednesday.
Despite the low turnout, Viridiana Diaz, CSUSM’s vice president for student affairs, commended “student ambassadors for leading this referendum with such passion and determination.”
“Our students have left a lasting legacy for future generations of Cougars,” she added.
The wellness and recreation facility is scheduled to open in the 2026-27 academic year. The fee will increase 3% annually after that school year, per the referendum.
A similar effort in April was altered several items in an attempt to make it more palatable for current students.
The changes included reducing the increased fee from $265 to $245, not charging the new fee until the facility opens, and reserving space there for non-athletic events.
Student ambassadors from campus recreation, athletics and housing, among other student groups and organizations, led the push to pass the new fee.
“This facility not only will improve the lives of all students here on campus, but also those who live off campus,” said Jacob Brown, a junior kinesiology major. “This building also will offer more spaces for programs like kinesiology and athletics, allowing them to become bigger and better than ever.”
The school is attempting to save money by partnering with a developer to lease space in a planned 49,200 square-foot facility that will feature 550 new student beds. Almost a quarter of the space will be set aside for cardio machines and strength-training equipment.
Other amenities include an rooftop deck with a synthetic turf field, two standard-sized indoor courts, multipurpose rooms and a commuter lounge.
The facility will be located across Barham Drive from University Village Apartments and next to the QUAD housing complex.
