San Diego State vs. Westmont College

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Westmont College based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 1,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Westmont College is in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westmont College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Westmont College 10:1.

San Diego State vs. Westmont College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or Westmont College? 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 Westmont College ($14,704 vs. $32,172).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westmont College are 26.4% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,960 vs. $23,030).
• Westmont College is 513.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $44,856 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151.2% higher at Westmont College than at San Diego State University (about $32,256 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westmont College than at San Diego State University (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westmont College students is 223.2% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($38,956 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Westmont College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westmont College (1350) is 150 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Westmont College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Westmont College 1240/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Westmont College 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Westmont College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Westmont College (3.59).
• Westmont College has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 15.9% at Westmont College.

San Diego State vs. Westmont College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Westmont College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Westmont College earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,774 lower median loan debt than Westmont College graduates ($15,349 vs. $25,123).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westmont College graduates ($158 vs. $259).
• More Westmont College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.