ACCEPTANCE RATE
34.4%
More selective than 16% of listed universities.
SelectiveAccessible
Public University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University, located in vibrant San Diego, California, offers a diverse and dynamic learning environment for over 39,000 students.
34.4%ACCEPTANCE
$19,500AVG NET PRICE
78%GRAD RATE
39.2KSTUDENTS
University data profileIPEDS 2023
San Diego, CAcity
THE SIGNATURE
San Diego State University Report Card
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university founded in 1897, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. With more than 220 degree programs offered, SDSU stands out as a leading institution in higher education, nurturing students' intellectual and professional development while fostering a vibrant campus life.
The university is located in one of the most dynamic regions of the United States, just 30 minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border. This setting provides an exceptional backdrop for students, filled with cultural richness and myriad opportunities. The campus is a hub of activity marked by more than 400 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a supportive and inclusive community that embraces diversity and encourages student success across all backgrounds.
AT A GLANCE
TypePublicFour or more years
Founded1897
Settingcity280 acres
Calendarsemester
GETTING IN
Admissions
San Diego State University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 34.4%. The university received over 82,000 applications, highlighting its popularity and selectivity among prospective students.
Source: IPEDS 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Nov 30regular
Undergraduate application fee $70.
WHAT IT COSTS
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$8,290/yr
Out-of-state: $8,290/yr.
Net price by income band
$0–$30,000
$30,001–$48,000
$48,001–$75,000
$75,001–$110,000
$110,001+
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$19,500/yr
▲ 184% since 2020-2188% receive aid
Average aid package $6,538.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Academics
SDSU is recognized for its broad array of academic programs, offering over 220 degrees in high-demand fields. The university prioritizes real-world learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs, equipping students for successful careers.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
22:1
25.3% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
78%
▲ 5 pts since 2016
First-year retention
90%
Compared with the 89% public-university median.
Undergrad majors
94
Undergraduate majors and programs
MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY
Business Administration and Management, General.23.4%
Psychology, General.7.4%
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.4.7%
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.4.1%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.3.2%
Mechanical Engineering.3%
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus & Housing
Campus housing shows how many students live on-campus — which means nearby housing can be essential to the college experience.
On-campus beds
8,664
Housing for approximately 25% of students.
Students needing off-campus housing
29.4K
Estimated from enrollment and reported on-campus housing capacity.
Setting
city
280 campus acres.
IN CONTEXT
SDSU vs. peer institutions
How SDSU compares with officially identified or editorially reviewed peer institutions.
San Diego State University
$19,500
UC San Diego
$13,293
California State University, Los Angeles
$4,551
San Jose State University
$13,833
University of San Diego
$37,675
AFTER GRADUATION
Student outcomes
What graduates earn and how reliably they land work — the bottom-line return on the degree.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$64,909
Working after 10 yrs
89%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
82.2%
82.2% of students out-earn the typical high-school graduate — a core measure of mobility.
Neighborhoods near SDSU
Where students live around San Diego State University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Loading map...
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics. University Apartments is not affiliated with San Diego State University.