San Diego State vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than University of Nevada-Reno based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 23,024 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

San Diego State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 Nevada-Reno ($14,704 vs. $17,226).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Reno are 37.1% lower than at San Diego State University ($14,496 vs. $23,030).
• University of Nevada Reno is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $850 more per year; $9,578.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at University of Nevada-Reno than at San Diego State University (about $6,392 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Reno than at San Diego State University (93% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 63.4% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($12,053 vs. $7,375).

San Diego State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 Nevada-Reno and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at University of Nevada-Reno (1180).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at University of Nevada-Reno).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• University of Nevada-Reno has a higher acceptance rate (73.7%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

San Diego State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and University of Nevada-Reno? 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 Nevada Reno's (51%).
• Graduates of San Diego State University and University of Nevada-Reno have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $53,400), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $3,452 lower median loan debt than University of Nevada-Reno graduates ($15,349 vs. $18,801).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Nevada-Reno graduates ($158 vs. $194).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Nevada-Reno students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 64%)

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.