California Baptist University vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare California Baptist University in Riverside, CA with San Diego State University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than California Baptist University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 11,902 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Baptist University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• California Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Baptist University 21:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

California Baptist University vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Baptist University or San Diego State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at San Diego State University than California Baptist University ($14,704 vs. $27,862).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Baptist University are 47.3% lower than at San Diego State University ($12,140 vs. $23,030).
• California Baptist University is 372.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $32,500 more per year; $41,228.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.3% higher at California Baptist University than at San Diego State University (about $19,900 more per year; $41,228.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Baptist University than at San Diego State University (99% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Baptist University students is 121.9% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($26,743 vs. $12,053).

California Baptist University vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Baptist University or San Diego State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between San Diego State and California Baptist University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 140 points higher than at California Baptist University (1060).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 21 at California Baptist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California Baptist University 960/1150; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California Baptist University 18/25; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Baptist University - Test-free; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman San Diego State students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at California Baptist University (3.58).
• California Baptist University has a higher acceptance rate (84.9%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at California Baptist University vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

California Baptist University vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Baptist University and San Diego State? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than California Baptist University's (55%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than California Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $45,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $11,651 lower median loan debt than California Baptist University graduates ($15,349 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Baptist University graduates ($158 vs. $279).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Baptist University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.