University of Redlands vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Redlands is located in Redlands, CA (Small City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• University of Redlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Redlands 10:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

University of Redlands vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Redlands or San Diego State? 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 Redlands ($14,704 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 20.9% lower than at San Diego State University ($18,208 vs. $23,030).
• University of Redlands is 597.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $52,150 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 185.4% higher at University of Redlands than at San Diego State University (about $39,550 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at San Diego State University (98% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 299.4% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($48,134 vs. $12,053).

University of Redlands vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Redlands (1230) is 30 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 Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 1107/1350; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 21/28; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Redlands - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at University of Redlands vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

University of Redlands vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Redlands and San Diego State? 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).

• University of Redlands's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Redlands earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $13,151 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($15,349 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $136 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($158 vs. $294).
• More University of Redlands graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.