Acceptance Rate
36%
“Sunny San Diego's sprawling public university fueling careers in business, aerospace engineering, and hospitality amid beach access.”
San Diego, CA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
San Diego State University traces its roots to 1897, when it opened as a teacher-training normal school with a handful of students in downtown San Diego. Over decades, it grew into the region's largest university, now spanning 283 acres in the College Area neighborhood east of downtown. You'll find a commuter-heavy vibe here, with over 33,000 undergraduates drawn to its energy and location—many live off-campus in nearby apartments, blending independence with campus events. Students who thrive balance self-motivation with social drive, enjoying urban exploration and outdoor pursuits in a city famous for its beaches and mild climate year-round.
San Diego's high cost of living pushes most students to budget carefully, especially for housing outside the limited on-campus options. The school's personality shines as practical and spirited, producing graduates ready for California's job market rather than secluded ivory-tower scholars. If you prefer intimate seminars or rural quiet, the large scale and city bustle might feel overwhelming.
Photo Gallery
+13
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In classrooms, expect a mix of mid-sized lectures and hands-on labs, especially in strengths like the Fowler College of Business, aerospace engineering, and hospitality management—fields that connect directly to San Diego's industries. Professors emphasize real-world skills, with opportunities to join research in areas like renewable energy or public health through undergrad programs. The intellectual culture rewards initiative; you'll collaborate on group projects in buzzing study spaces, but introductory classes often pack hundreds into auditoriums.
Popular majors fill quickly, so undeclared students should plan ahead to switch into competitive ones. Research thrives for those who seek it, often partnering with local firms, though teaching remains the core focus over pure scholarship.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
35,782 undergrad • 5,355 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
34%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
36%
Asian
13%
Other / Multi-racial
14%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
San Diego, CA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus pulses with Aztec pride, from spirited football games at Snapdragon Stadium to weekend beach trips via the trolley line slicing through campus. A typical week mixes morning lectures, club meetings in the afternoon, and evenings grilling at off-campus houses or hitting nearby bars in the College Area. Housing accommodates around 7,000 in modern dorms and apartments, but the rest commute or rent nearby, fostering a semi-independent social scene heavy on parties and outdoor adventures.
San Diego's near-perfect weather invites surfing at Pacific Beach or hiking in Mission Trails, though traffic and housing costs challenge budgets. The vibe stays lively and inclusive for outgoing types, with less emphasis on late-night library grinds than weekend fun.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mountain West Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
91%
4 Years Graduation Rate
61%
6 Years Graduation Rate
79%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$64,909
91% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at San Diego State University and return in the fall. 61% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 79% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
61%
4-5 years
18%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
20%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,742
Acceptance
36%
Undergrads
35,782
4-Year Grad Rate
61%
Endowment
$434M
San Diego, CA 92182-0001
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