San Diego State University - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges

San Diego State University

#105 in National Universities (tie)

4 year • San Diego, CA

4 year • San Diego, CA
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Overview

San Diego State University is a public institution that was founded in 1897. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,724 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 560 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. San Diego State University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #105. Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,290; out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,170.


San Diego State University is a public institution that was founded in 1897. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,724 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 560 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. San Diego State University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #105. Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,290; out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,170.


At-a-Glance

Setting

Urban

In-state tuition and fees

$8,290

Undergraduate Enrollment

31,724

Acceptance Rate

39%

5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182

From the School

At A Glance
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences for its more than 35,000 students. The university is known for offering transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. Recognized as a national leader in higher education, SDSU is committed to excellence and is known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU ranks No. 1 in the California State University (CSU) system for federal research support, is a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and resides on Kumeyaay land.


SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and support of LGBTQIA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program. Students have access to more than 300 student clubs and organizations, and an inclusive environment with a diverse range of programs and offerings.


SDSU is ranked in the top 40 nationwide for ethnic diversity according to U.S. News & World Report. The university’s rich campus life and ideal location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 400,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.-Mexico region.


LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT


Known for its near-perfect climate, miles of sandy beaches, and fun-filled waterfront activities, the San Diego region is home to a wide range of industries, from engineering and biotechnology to agriculture and tourism. The hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown neighborhoods is complemented by the charming and eclectic beach towns of Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado and La Jolla.


San Diego offers a wide variety of social, cultural and recreational activities. There aren’t many places where you can watch the sun rise in the desert, build a snowman in the mountains in the afternoon, and watch the sun set into the ocean all in one day, but this is possible in San Diego County.


ACADEMICS


SDSU is nationally recognized for academic excellence and is considered to be among the top Best Value colleges, SDSU is a public research university where students, faculty, and alumni have been part of research teams that addressed important subjects like coastal faults, COVID-19, urban wildfire, and RNA modification. Their research shed new light on natural disasters, lung disease, cancer, and climate change.


SDSU has a world-renowned international business program along with an exceptional engineering program. SDSU is also a hub of student invention and innovation, led by the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center and Zahn Innovation Platform. Forbes Magazine ranked SDSU No. 23 on its list of America’s Most Entrepreneurial Universities.


The combination of experiential learning opportunities and a unique blend of coursework enables students to adopt innovative thinking and develop the competencies needed to succeed in today’s society, regardless of their educational field.


SDSU strives to help all students find their dream careers through a multitude of internships, mentoring programs, and career fairs with on- and off-campus employers.


Majors and Degrees Offered:


SDSU is an academically comprehensive university that provides endless possibilities for students including bachelor’s degrees in 97 areas, master’s degrees in 84 fields, and 21 doctoral degrees.         


COST OF ATTENDANCE


Your college education is a valuable investment in your future. Understanding what your costs will be and becoming familiar with financial aid and scholarship options will enable you to make important decisions as you prepare for the next step in your education.


TRANSFORM YOUR TOMORROW


For more information about applying to SDSU admission, visit sdsu.edu/admissions.

At A Glance
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences for its more than 35,000 students. The university is known for offering transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. Recognized as a national leader in higher education, SDSU is committed to excellence and is known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU ranks No. 1 in the California State University (CSU) system for federal research support, is a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and resides on Kumeyaay land.


SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and support of LGBTQIA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program. Students have access to more than 300 student clubs and organizations, and an inclusive environment with a diverse range of programs and offerings.


SDSU is ranked in the top 40 nationwide for ethnic diversity according to U.S. News & World Report. The university’s rich campus life and ideal location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 400,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.-Mexico region.


LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT


Known for its near-perfect climate, miles of sandy beaches, and fun-filled waterfront activities, the San Diego region is home to a wide range of industries, from engineering and biotechnology to agriculture and tourism. The hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown neighborhoods is complemented by the charming and eclectic beach towns of Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado and La Jolla.


San Diego offers a wide variety of social, cultural and recreational activities. There aren’t many places where you can watch the sun rise in the desert, build a snowman in the mountains in the afternoon, and watch the sun set into the ocean all in one day, but this is possible in San Diego County.


ACADEMICS


SDSU is nationally recognized for academic excellence and is considered to be among the top Best Value colleges, SDSU is a public research university where students, faculty, and alumni have been part of research teams that addressed important subjects like coastal faults, COVID-19, urban wildfire, and RNA modification. Their research shed new light on natural disasters, lung disease, cancer, and climate change.


SDSU has a world-renowned international business program along with an exceptional engineering program. SDSU is also a hub of student invention and innovation, led by the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center and Zahn Innovation Platform. Forbes Magazine ranked SDSU No. 23 on its list of America’s Most Entrepreneurial Universities.


The combination of experiential learning opportunities and a unique blend of coursework enables students to adopt innovative thinking and develop the competencies needed to succeed in today’s society, regardless of their educational field.


SDSU strives to help all students find their dream careers through a multitude of internships, mentoring programs, and career fairs with on- and off-campus employers.


Majors and Degrees Offered:


SDSU is an academically comprehensive university that provides endless possibilities for students including bachelor’s degrees in 97 areas, master’s degrees in 84 fields, and 21 doctoral degrees.         


COST OF ATTENDANCE


Your college education is a valuable investment in your future. Understanding what your costs will be and becoming familiar with financial aid and scholarship options will enable you to make important decisions as you prepare for the next step in your education.


TRANSFORM YOUR TOMORROW


For more information about applying to SDSU admission, visit sdsu.edu/admissions.

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Admissions

Nov. 30

Application Deadline

39%

Acceptance Rate

SAT Range*

N/A

ACT Range*

N/A

High School GPA*

3.9

Admissions Website

Apply Now

* These are the average scores of applications admitted to this school. Ranges represent admitted applicants who fell within the 25th and 75th percentile.

Will You Get Into San Diego State University?

College Admissions Calculator

Data provided by U.S. News College Compass Users.

Cost

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$20,170

In-State Tuition & Fees

$8,290

Room & Board

$21,630(2023-24)

Average Need-Based Aid Package

$15,094

$6,488

Annual Cost*

$6,488

Annual Cost*

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$20,170

In-State Tuition & Fees

$8,290

Room & Board

$21,630(2023-24)

Average Need-Based Aid Package

$15,094

*Average in-state cost after aid

Academics

54%

4-Year Graduation Rate

24:1

Student/Faculty Ratio

31%

Classes With Fewer Than 20 Students

Popular Majors

MAJOR

% OF GRADUATES

ALUMNI STARTING SALARY

Business Administration and Management, General

21%

N/A

Psychology, General

7%

N/A

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General

5%

N/A

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

4%

N/A

Criminal Justice/Safety Studies

4%

N/A

Business Administration and Management, General
21% Percent of Graduates
N/A Alumni Starting Salary
Psychology, General
7% Percent of Graduates
N/A Alumni Starting Salary
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
5% Percent of Graduates
N/A Alumni Starting Salary
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
4% Percent of Graduates
N/A Alumni Starting Salary
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
4% Percent of Graduates
N/A Alumni Starting Salary

* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.

Faculty Research Impact

Bibliometric Rank

91

Bibliometrics is the statistical analyses of publications and citations for the purpose of measuring faculty research impact.

Publications Cited in Top 25% of Journals

67%

Publications Cited in Top 5% of Journals

19%

Total Papers published between 2018-2022

7,947

Citations Per Publication

13:1

Data provided byLast updated 2023.

Pick the Perfect Major

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Students

31,724

Undergraduate Enrollment

Graduate Enrollment

4,913

Total Enrollment

36,637

Full-Time Degree-Seeking Students

28,324

Student Diversity

Gender Distribution

Male43%
Female57%

Ethnic Diversity

59%

Minority Enrollment

59%

Minority Enrollment

35%

Hispanic

34%

White

13%

Asian

7%

Two or more races

4%

Black

3%

International

3%

Unknown

Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.

Campus Life

Housing and Dorms

Types of campus housing available:

  • coed dorms
  • special housing for disabled students
  • theme housing
  • Student Activities

    74+

    Sports Teams

    23

    Fraternities

    22

    Sororities

    After College

    Graduation Rate

    54%

    Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)

    35%

    Average Debt at Graduation

    $21,212

    $39,644

    Median Starting Salary of Alumni

    $39,644

    Median Starting Salary of Alumni

    Graduation Rate

    54%

    Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)

    35%

    Average Debt at Graduation

    $21,212

    Reviews & Ratings

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    SDSU is an amazing university! I began attending in 2013 right out of high school and since then, I've received my B.A. and M.S. there. I love it so much here that I'm currently pursuing my third degree. Through my time at SDSU I not only got to grow as a person but I've been challenged academically. I've also been supported by the staff on campus and have been a recipient of a grant while in graduate school and also received a scholarship while an undergrad. Because of this support, I have been able to get an amazing education almost completely debt-free. I 100% recommend SDSU!!!

    Jade San Diego, CA

    Read More

    Undergraduate data are based on the 2022 school year.

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