San Diego State vs. Utah State University

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Utah State University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 28,904 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Utah State University is in Logan, UT (Small City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Utah State University 19:1.

San Diego State vs. Utah State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Utah State 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 Utah State University ($14,704 vs. $15,788).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 60.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($9,076 vs. $23,030).
• Utah State University is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $500 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at Utah State University than at San Diego State University (about $3,474 more per year; $24,802.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Utah State University than at San Diego State University (90% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 38.8% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($12,053 vs. $8,685).

San Diego State vs. Utah State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at Utah State University (1180).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Utah State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Utah State University 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Utah State University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Utah State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Utah State University (3.63).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 23.8% at Utah State University.

San Diego State vs. Utah State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and Utah State 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 Utah State University's (52%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Utah State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah State University graduates have a $1,739 lower median loan debt than San Diego State graduates ($13,610 vs. $15,349).
• Among borrowers, Utah State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Diego State graduates ($140 vs. $158).
• More Utah State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.