San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a public university in San Diego, CA ranked #80 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 33,654 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 34.4%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, 90.3% first-year retention, and 78.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $16,174, about $3,974 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -1866.6%, roughly 1951.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,620. That's about $8,932 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is San Diego State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
San Diego State University graduates 78.3% of students within six years and keeps 90.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use San Diego State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,290 |
| Books and Supplies | $908 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $21,630 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,244 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,357 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.4% of San Diego State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,655 to $24,913 depending on family income. Use San Diego State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,176/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,913/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,620
- 10-Year Median Earnings $101,817
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,900
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 96.6%
- Employment Rate 89.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for San Diego State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
San Diego State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how San Diego State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes San Diego State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While San Diego State University graduates earn $52,620 median, the -18.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 33,654
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 90.3%
- Graduation Rate 78.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into San Diego State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: San Diego State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 34.4%, San Diego State University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: San Diego State University accepts 34.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among San Diego State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 20.5%
- Psychology, General 6.4%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.9%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 3.8%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.7%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.5%
- Economics 2.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $114,373
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $109,894
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,171
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $99,279
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $96,719
- 6. Civil Engineering $96,325
- 7. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $93,649
- 8. Computer and Information Sciences, General $87,236
- 9. Construction Engineering Technologies $81,608
- 10. Marketing $79,506
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $140,159
- 2. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $117,624
- 3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $114,126
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $108,004
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $100,697
- 6. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $93,908
- 7. Public Health (Master's Degree) $91,167
- 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $88,685
- 9. Statistics (Master's Degree) $88,511
- 10. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $86,359
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $114,373—44% more than Marketing ($79,506). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $140,159 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for San Diego State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 524 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 386 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 310 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 306 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 284 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (67 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International Business
- Journalism
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Nutrition Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Public Administration
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- History
- Music
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Social Sciences, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Statistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Applied Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Area Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Dance
- Physics
- Gerontology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physical Sciences
- Information Science/Studies
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Linguistics and Anthropology
Online Master's Degrees (64 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Computer Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Statistics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Criminology
- Political Science and Government
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Sociology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Physics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Area Studies
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- International Business
- Gerontology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Education, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (19 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Education, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Public Health
- Social Sciences, Other
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Civil Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (30 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computational Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Housing and Human Environments
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 33,654
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.6%
- Female Students 56.4%
- Caucasian 34.3%
- Asian 13.4%
- Hispanic 36.2%
- Black 3.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects San Diego State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of San Diego State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Diego State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Diego State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: San Diego State University has a diverse student body, with 34.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Diego State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Diego State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #80 nationally, San Diego State University combines competitive admissions with -18.7% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $52,620 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 78.3% six-year rates, with 90.3% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $16,174 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 333 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: San Diego State University's Market Position
A- grade | #80 of 6321 | 88.3/100 EDsmart Score
Competitive Positioning: San Diego State University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -18.7% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $16,174 annually produces $52,620 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing San Diego State University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: San Diego State University's #80 ranking and A- grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 333 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 78.3% six-year graduation rate sits 15.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.3% first-year retention is 13.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -18.7% return on investment is 104.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,620 run about 20% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,174 is roughly $3,700 lower than the national median of $19,874.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.0% employment rate within three years sits 20.8 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.4% trails the national share by 7.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
San Diego State University, a public university in San Diego, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It appears at #80 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support A-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C-.
About 90.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 78.3% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -18.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,174 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,357.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,183 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,847 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $52,620 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's a 17% difference.
Roughly 89.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -18.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
34.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the San Diego State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address San Diego, CA 92182-0001
- Website www.sdsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$398.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.4%