San Diego State vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Kentucky based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 34,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

San Diego State vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky ($14,704 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kentucky are 30.5% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,016 vs. $23,030).
• University of Kentucky is 54.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $4,774 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.1% higher at Kentucky than at San Diego State University (about $12,812 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at San Diego State University (95% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 7% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($12,898 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

San Diego State vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $7,401 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($15,349 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($158 vs. $235).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 62%)

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.