S
#10 Best Public Universities in California

San Diego State University

San Diego, California

 3 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

37,402
San Diego State University overview
Location San Diego, California
Online sdsu.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large City
San Diego State University overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Established in 1897, it is the third-oldest university in the California State University system. The university's campus spans 283 acres featuring a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival and Modernist architectural styles, situated less than 10 miles from downtown San Diego. SDSU offers a diverse academic portfolio, including highly regarded programs in Business Administration, Engineering, and Psychology. The institution maintains a competitive application process. Student housing is provided on campus, with a variety of options for undergraduate and graduate students. SDSU's athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the NCAA Division I, with the football and basketball programs gaining prominence.

In the most recent statistical year 77,250 prospective students applied, and 30,331 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 6,573 enrolled in the school.  31,807 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 5,595 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,742 plus fees of $2,432. San Diego State is ranked 337 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

7/10

Overall

8/10

Academics

3/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

6/10

Value

San Diego State is rated within the top 38% 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 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Challenging
San Diego State University overview
SAT 1090/1300
ACT 22/29
GPA 3.82

Applications Accepted

39.3% 
San Diego State University overview
Applications Due Nov 30, 2023
Applicant Competition High
Application Fee $70

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$5,742
In State Costs for San Diego State University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,146
Other Fees$2,432
Room and Board $19,714
Budget for Other Expenses$3,076
Total One Year Cost$32,110

Out of State Resident Tuition

$17,622
Out of State Costs for San Diego State University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,146
Other Fees$2,432
Room and Board $19,714
Budget for Other Expenses$3,076
Total One Year Cost$43,990

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$53,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

66% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by San Diego State University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 23%
Social Sciences 13%
Psychology 8%
English and Literature 7%
Health Professions 7%

View All 71 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering San Diego State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

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.