San Diego State vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Montana State University in Bozeman, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 17,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Montana State University 18:1.

San Diego State vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or MSU? 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 MSU ($14,704 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University are 39.2% lower than at San Diego State University ($14,000 vs. $23,030).
• San Diego State University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $268 more per year; $8,728.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.1% higher at MSU than at San Diego State University (about $11,959 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University than at San Diego State University (83% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($12,053 vs. $11,763).

San Diego State vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or MSU? 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 MSU and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Montana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Montana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at MSU (3.5).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 20.3% at MSU.

San Diego State vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and MSU? 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 Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $8,651 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($15,349 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($158 vs. $248).
• More MSU 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.