Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, 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 Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland ($14,704 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 15% lower than at San Diego State University ($19,580 vs. $23,030).
• Northeastern University Oakland is 676.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $59,050 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.8% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Diego State University (about $46,450 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Diego State University (67% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 380.8% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($57,948 vs. $12,053).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University Oakland (1470) is 270 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Northeastern University Oakland students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - 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 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• San Diego State has a higher acceptance rate (36.2%) than Northeastern University Oakland (16.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $8,151 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($15,349 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($158 vs. $242).
• More Northeastern University Oakland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.