UOP vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Pacific in Stockton, 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 UOP based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 6,944 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Pacific is located in Stockton, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• University of the Pacific 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 the Pacific 13:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

UOP vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UOP 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 UOP ($14,704 vs. $31,670).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Pacific are 25.4% lower than at San Diego State University ($17,190 vs. $23,030).
• University of the Pacific is 554% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $48,352 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.6% higher at UOP than at San Diego State University (about $35,752 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Pacific than at San Diego State University (98% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of the Pacific students is 241.1% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($41,111 vs. $12,053).

UOP vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UOP 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 UOP.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Pacific (1330) is 130 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming UOP students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Pacific 1183/1480; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Pacific 23/32; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UOP - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UOP Jan 15, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at UOP (3.58).
• UOP has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UOP vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

UOP vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UOP 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 the Pacific's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from University of the Pacific earn a median of about $28,000 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,400 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,276 lower median loan debt than UOP graduates ($15,349 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UOP graduates ($158 vs. $254).
• More UOP graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.