San Diego State vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Simpson University 17:1.

San Diego State vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Simpson University? 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 Simpson University ($14,704 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 48.3% lower than at San Diego State University ($11,900 vs. $23,030).
• Simpson University is 354.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $30,980 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.2% higher at Simpson University than at San Diego State University (about $18,380 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at San Diego State University (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 115.2% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($25,937 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 130 points higher than at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Simpson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• Simpson University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

San Diego State vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and Simpson University? 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 Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $1,319 lower median loan debt than Simpson University graduates ($15,349 vs. $16,668).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson University graduates ($158 vs. $172).
• More Simpson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.