DUofC vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare Dominican University of California in San Rafael, 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 DUofC based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 1,900 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dominican University of California is located in San Rafael, CA (Small City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Dominican University of California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dominican University of California 8:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

DUofC vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DUofC 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 DUofC ($14,704 vs. $37,456).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dominican University of California are 29.7% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,191 vs. $23,030).
• Dominican University of California is 497.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $43,433 more per year; $52,161.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.6% higher at DUofC than at San Diego State University (about $30,833 more per year; $52,161.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dominican University of California than at San Diego State University (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dominican University of California students is 183.9% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($34,224 vs. $12,053).

DUofC vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DUofC or San Diego State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between San Diego State and DUofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dominican University of California (1260) is 60 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dominican University of California 1210/1300; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DUofC - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at DUofC (3.66).
• DUofC has a higher acceptance rate (83.5%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at DUofC vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

DUofC vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DUofC and San Diego State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Dominican University of California's (56%).
• Graduates from Dominican University of California earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $53,400), 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 DUofC graduates ($15,349 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DUofC graduates ($158 vs. $279).
• More DUofC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 65%)

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.