San Diego State vs. OSU

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than OSU based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 37,163 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Oregon State University is in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Oregon State University 18:1.

San Diego State vs. OSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or OSU? 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 OSU ($14,704 vs. $22,467).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oregon State University are 28.8% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,386 vs. $23,030).
• Oregon State University is 65% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $5,672 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.1% higher at OSU than at San Diego State University (about $16,862 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oregon State University than at San Diego State University (90% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($12,053 vs. $11,230).

San Diego State vs. OSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or OSU? 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 OSU and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 70 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming OSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Oregon State University 1140/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Oregon State University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; OSU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at OSU (3.61).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 20.4% at OSU.

San Diego State vs. OSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and OSU? 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 Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $8,151 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($15,349 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($158 vs. $242).
• More OSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.