San Diego State University
About San Diego State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego, California. It is one of the most popular CSU campuses and offers strong programs in business, engineering, public health, and international relations, with a campus near the Mexican border.
Founded
1897
Location
San Diego, California
Students
40,732
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
36.2%
Selective
Graduation Rate
76.4%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$8,728
Out-of-state: $21,328
Avg Net Price
$15,364
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$64,909
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
36.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
San Diego State University is moderately selective at 36.2%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
76.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.6%
4-Year Grad
48%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
25:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
50%
$/Student
$8.6K
Class Size
Large
While 48% finish in 4 years, 90.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,728
In-State
$21,328
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$23,030
Books & Supplies
$946
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,780
After Financial Aid
$15,364
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,910
Receive Grants
31.7%
Take Loans
23.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $27,780/yr for in-state students, including $23,030 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,364. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,328.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at San Diego State University fund their education.
While in School
31.7%
Get Grants
Free money
23.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$32,530
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends San Diego State University.
Gender
56.6%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
35,377
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,355
Graduates
41.2%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
11.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 41.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
35,377
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
San Diego State University fields 12 varsity teams with 518 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mountain West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
518
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
43% / 57%
223
Men
295
Women
6
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of San Diego State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,909
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
2008 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
646 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
415 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$26K
354 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$34K
276 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$38K
261 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $49K at eight, and $65K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Diego State University
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?▾
How much does San Diego State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at San Diego State University?▾
How much do San Diego State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.