San Diego State vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Stanford based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 18,625 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Stanford University 6:1.

San Diego State vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Stanford? 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 Stanford ($14,704 vs. $25,078).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stanford University are 7.4% lower than at San Diego State University ($21,315 vs. $23,030).
• Stanford University is 655.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $57,182 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209% higher at Stanford than at San Diego State University (about $44,582 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stanford University than at San Diego State University (61% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 420.7% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($62,755 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 350 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Stanford students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Stanford students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at San Diego State (3.82).
• San Diego State has a higher acceptance rate (36.2%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

San Diego State vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and Stanford? 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).

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $69,500 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $2,874 lower median loan debt than San Diego State graduates ($12,475 vs. $15,349).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Diego State graduates ($128 vs. $158).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.