San Diego State University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
San Diego, CA
4.7 3 reviews

#10 Best Public Universities in California

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

41,137

Location San Diego, California
Website sdsu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large City

Best Colleges Rank

#353

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

San Diego State University (SDSU), situated in the eastern region of San Diego, California, operates its main campus across 283 acres in the Mesa College area. Founded in 1897 as a teachers' college, SDSU has evolved into a comprehensive public research university offering bachelor's through doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in business, engineering, public health, and international business programs. The Mediterranean-style campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Hardy Tower, and provides on-campus housing for both freshmen and returning students in its residential communities. Located in Southern California's second-largest city, SDSU benefits from its proximity to the Mexican border, Pacific Ocean, and the region's technology industry hub. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Aztecs, with its men's basketball program regularly participating in national tournaments.

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Ratings

San Diego State is rated within the top 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

8 out of 10
Resources

3 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

6 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for San Diego State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging

GPA 3.82

Acceptance Rate

36.2%

Applications Due Nov 30, 2026
Enrollment Rate 20.4%
Application Fee $70

Applicant Competition High

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Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$8,728

Out of State Resident Tuition

$21,328

Breakdown

Tuition $8,728
Books and Supplies $946
Other Fees $2,644
Room and Board $23,030
Budget for Other Expenses $3,386
Total One Year Cost $38,734

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$53,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

66% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at San Diego State University are Business, Social Sciences, and Psychology. 23% of students major in Business, 13% in Social Sciences, and 8% in Psychology.