San Diego State vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than Western Washington University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 14,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

San Diego State vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University ($14,704 vs. $24,338).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Washington University are 31.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($15,747 vs. $23,030).
• Western Washington University is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $854 more per year; $9,582.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at Western Washington University than at San Diego State University (about $7,379 more per year; $28,707.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Washington University than at San Diego State University (93% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 74.6% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($12,053 vs. $6,902).

San Diego State vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 70 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Western Washington University 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; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

San Diego State vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and Western Washington University? 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).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $4,064 lower median loan debt than Western Washington University graduates ($15,349 vs. $19,413).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Washington University graduates ($158 vs. $200).
• More Western Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.