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San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's degrees · City

B+

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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

A-

Academics

Graduation & retention rates

A-

Value

Earnings vs. cost of attendance

B+

Career Outcomes

Graduate earnings after 10 years

A-

Affordability

Average net price after aid

B+

Selectivity

How hard it is to get in

A

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

$0–30K
$9,910
$30–48K
$10,017
$48–75K
$12,697
$75–110K
$15,891
$110K+
$23,821

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

57% women
43% men

Race & ethnicity

Hispanic
37%
White
34%
Asian
13%
Two or more races
7%
Black
3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0%

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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