Oxy vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare Occidental College in Los Angeles, 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 Oxy based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Occidental College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Occidental College 9:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

Oxy vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oxy 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 Oxy ($14,704 vs. $48,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Occidental College are 16.4% lower than at San Diego State University ($19,252 vs. $23,030).
• Occidental College is 659.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $57,546 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 210.7% higher at Oxy than at San Diego State University (about $44,946 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Occidental College than at San Diego State University (75% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Occidental College students is 202% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($36,400 vs. $12,053).

Oxy vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oxy 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 Oxy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Occidental College (1450) is 250 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Oxy 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: Occidental College 1380/1520; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 31/34; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oxy - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oxy Jan 10, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Oxy (3.63).
• Oxy has a higher acceptance rate (44.2%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at Oxy vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

Oxy vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oxy 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).

• Occidental College's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Occidental College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $8,303 lower median loan debt than Oxy graduates ($15,349 vs. $23,652).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oxy graduates ($158 vs. $244).
• More Oxy graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.