San Diego State vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Appalachian State University in Boone, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

San Diego State vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or ASU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at San Diego State University than ASU ($14,704 vs. $14,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 44.1% lower than at San Diego State University ($12,868 vs. $23,030).
• San Diego State University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $1,149 more per year; $8,728.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at ASU than at San Diego State University (about $3,884 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Diego State University than at Appalachian State University (47% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 50.4% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($12,053 vs. $8,014).

San Diego State vs. ASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or ASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ASU and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is the same as at ASU (1200).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at San Diego State (3.82).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 18.2% at ASU.

San Diego State vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and ASU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Appalachian State University's (65%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $5,151 lower median loan debt than ASU graduates ($15,349 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ASU graduates ($158 vs. $211).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 65%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.