San Diego State vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with University of Missouri Kansas City in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than University of Missouri-Kansas City based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 14,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of Missouri Kansas City is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Kansas City is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; University of Missouri Kansas City 13:1.

San Diego State vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 University of Missouri-Kansas City ($14,704 vs. $14,748).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Kansas City are 32.9% lower than at San Diego State University ($15,452 vs. $23,030).
• University of Missouri Kansas City is 44.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $3,859 more per year; $12,587.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.7% higher at University of Missouri-Kansas City than at San Diego State University (about $8,899 more per year; $30,227.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Kansas City than at San Diego State University (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Kansas City students ($12,053 vs. $10,982).

San Diego State vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 University of Missouri-Kansas City and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Kansas City (1420) is 220 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at University of Missouri-Kansas City).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; University of Missouri Kansas City 1290/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; University of Missouri Kansas City 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; University of Missouri-Kansas City - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; University of Missouri-Kansas City Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Missouri-Kansas City (3.54).
• University of Missouri-Kansas City has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 30.1% at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

San Diego State vs. University of Missouri-Kansas City Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and University of Missouri-Kansas City? 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 Missouri Kansas City's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $5,651 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates ($15,349 vs. $21,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates ($158 vs. $217).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Kansas City students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 55%)

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.