Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Online | sdsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
San Diego State University (SDSU), situated in the eastern region of San Diego, California, operates its main campus across 283 acres in the Mesa College area. Founded in 1897 as a teachers' college, SDSU has evolved into a comprehensive public research university offering bachelor's through doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in business, engineering, public health, and international business programs. The Mediterranean-style campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Hardy Tower, and provides on-campus housing for both freshmen and returning students in its residential communities. Located in Southern California's second-largest city, SDSU benefits from its proximity to the Mexican border, Pacific Ocean, and the region's technology industry hub. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Aztecs, with its men's basketball program regularly participating in national tournaments.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
San Diego State is rated within the top 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for San Diego State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#337 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#91 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#30 in Best Colleges in California
#10 in Best Public Colleges in California
#528 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#38 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1300 |
| ACT | 22/29 |
| GPA | 3.82 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $908 |
| Other Fees | $2,548 |
| Room and Board | $21,630 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,244 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,072 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $908 |
| Other Fees | $2,548 |
| Room and Board | $21,630 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,244 |
| Total One Year Cost | $45,952 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| English and Literature | 7% |
| Health Professions | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about San Diego State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122409 IPEDS survey data for San Diego State University.
Current students may use the San Diego State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025