San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's degrees · City
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About San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1897, it is the third-oldest university and southernmost in the 23-member California State University (CSU) system. SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego; its academic roots were established as a normal school in University Heights, then known as the San Diego Normal School. In the fall of 2025, the university enrolled a record 41,184 students. SDSU comprises eight colleges and offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". It is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SDSU's athletic teams compete as the San Diego State Aztecs; the Aztecs nickname was chosen by students in 1925. They compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, primarily as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. SDSU currently fields varsity te
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
36%
Acceptance
$15,364
Net price
35,377
Enrollment
76%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
36%
Acceptance rate
—
SAT average
—
ACT midpoint
Cost & Financial Aid
$15,364
Average net price
$8,728
In-state tuition
$21,328
Out-of-state tuition
$23,030
Room & board
$946
Books & supplies
$27,780
Total cost of attendance
32%
Students receiving Pell grants
23%
Students with federal loans
$15,000
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$64,909
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$52,620
Median earnings (6 yrs)
76%
Graduation rate
91%
Retention rate
82%
Earn more than a HS grad
$8,619
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
35,377
Total enrollment
9%
Part-time
22
Avg. age at entry
41%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
San Diego State University FAQ
Is San Diego State University a public or private school?
San Diego State University is a public institution located in San Diego, CA.
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?
San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does San Diego State University cost?
The average annual net price at San Diego State University is $15,364 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $8,728 in-state and $21,328 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at San Diego State University?
About 76% of students at San Diego State University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do San Diego State University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, San Diego State University students earn a median of $64,909 per year.
How many students attend San Diego State University?
San Diego State University enrolls about 35,377 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Wikipedia User:Geographer · CC BY 1.0. Additional images are representative.
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