2026 Compare Cities Education:
Alton, IL vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
- San Marcos spends 17.4% more per student than Alton.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 48.9% higher in San Marcos than in Alton. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- San Marcos had 1.0% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Alton
 Alton, ILSan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,358$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$12,569  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,084$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.21  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock187444573
 Students per Counselor1054  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.8.4%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock87.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.28.8%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.19.4%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock10.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree0.9%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
Reviews for Alton    7 Reviews

My wife, daughter, and I moved here from Phoenix Metro March 2022 and have been very happy with our move. The people have been great, having four seasons is great, and  More

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Over 3 years ago

Not sure why such low reviews. I moved here from St. Louis. Crime in Alton is NOTHING compared to that. Maybe 1 or 2 homicides a year and those are generally people  More

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Over 11 years ago

Unfortunately, Alton has become a run down, poverty stricken area. Jobs are very limited and do not pay well. Unless you plan on commuting to St. Louis for work, you  More

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Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

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Over 16 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 19 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

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