Your chances of getting into San Diego State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at San Diego State is 37.9%. Its admission rate is the 18th lowest in California and the 128th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into San Diego State and can you get accepted?
San Diego State is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 25,646 out of the 67,660 who applied were admitted.
The school has difficult admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 40 percent on standardized admission tests. San Diego State University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.82. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 21% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into San Diego State?
38% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to San Diego State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.82 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1200 on the SAT
- Score 25 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class
San Diego State GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into San Diego State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into San Diego State are to have around a 3.82 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to San Diego State will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at San Diego State is 3.82 on the 4.0 scale. 34% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #18 in California for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since San Diego State is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
San Diego State SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by San Diego State University.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 550 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 540 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1090 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 640 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 660 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1300 |
| Average SAT Score | 1200
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to San Diego State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at San Diego State is 1200 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1090-1300. Students who get into San Diego State University score in the top 43 percent of all SAT test takers.. San Diego State ranks #33 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1200 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. San Diego State regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1090 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1090, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 980, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
San Diego State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "neither required nor recommended".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1200 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1195, you have around a 38% chance of being admitted. A 1300 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 54% chance of getting in.
San Diego State ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 21 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 21 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 22 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 27 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 29 |
| Average ACT Score | 25
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into San Diego State?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to San Diego State is 25, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 22 and 29. The school ranks #33 in California for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 25. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 22 and score in the score in the top 37 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 18.
43 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to San Diego State University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as San Diego State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "neither required nor recommended".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into San Diego State for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 25 score has around 38% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 56% with a 29 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
61% of San Diego State University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 24% are in the top ten percent.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 24% |
| Top 25% of class | 61% |
| Top 50% of class | 91% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 40,237 | 27,423 | 67,660 |
| Accepted | 16,060 | 9,586 | 25,646 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% | 35% | 38% |
| Enrolled | 3,195 | 2,074 | 5,269 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 20% | 22% | 21% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. Applications were due on Nov 30, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to San Diego State University is $70.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to San Diego State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Neither required nor recommended |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because San Diego State is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.82 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1200 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1300 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to San Diego State University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122409 IPEDS survey data for San Diego State University.
FAQs
Does San Diego State University prefer SAT or ACT?
84% of students submit their SAT scores to San Diego State. 43% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into San Diego State University?
38% of those who apply are granted admission to San Diego State. Admission competition is high and the college has difficult admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for San Diego State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1090 and 1300. The average SAT score is 1195. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for San Diego State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 22 and 29. The average ACT score is 25. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.