U of A vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ with San Diego State University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arizona is larger than San Diego State based on total student enrollment (56,365 students vs. 41,137 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arizona is located in Tucson, AZ (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• University of Arizona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arizona 20:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

U of A vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of A or San Diego State? 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 U of A ($14,704 vs. $19,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Arizona are 27.3% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,746 vs. $23,030).
• University of Arizona is 59.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $5,198 more per year; $13,926.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.2% higher at U of A than at San Diego State University (about $20,950 more per year; $42,278.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Arizona than at San Diego State University (95% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arizona students is 14.3% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($13,776 vs. $12,053).

U of A vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of A or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and U of A.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arizona (1290) is 90 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming U of A students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at San Diego State (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 1150/1420; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 21/29; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of A - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at U of A (3.48).
• U of A has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at U of A vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

U of A vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of A and San Diego State? 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 University of Arizona's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Arizona earn a median of about $600 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $3,651 lower median loan debt than U of A graduates ($15,349 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of A graduates ($158 vs. $196).
• More U of A 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.