Campus photo
Photo: Kire1975 / Wikimedia Commons / CC0San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
36%
Acceptance Rate
35,377
Undergraduates
$21k
Out-of-state tuition
76%
6-yr grad rate
$65k
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
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Data as of September 2026
Can I Get In?
36%
Selective
Acceptance Rate (2024-25)
Test OptionalSAT RangeNot reported
ACT RangeNot reported
Avg Admitted GPA (CDS)4.00
$70 application fee
35,377 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25)
Public · City: Large
Application deadline: Nov 30, 2026
Can I Afford It?
Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)
$21,328
Average Net Price (2023-24)
$15,364
This college's average after grants, all family incomes. Not your price.
$15,000Median Debt
Median earnings 10 yrs after entry$64,909/yr
Debt-to-earnings ratio23%
Why Go Here?
$65k
Median Earnings
10 yrs after entry
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
35.4k
Undergraduates
Large
Public · City: Large
How Does It Stack Up?
#93
Deal Score in CA
of 492 rated colleges
Deal Score85
Excellent value
41% First-Gen Students
32% Pell Grant Recipients
42Days
Next Application Deadline
Application deadline: Nov 30, 2026
From the school’s admissions page, checked Sep 23, 2026. The year is projected for this cycle; confirm it with the school. Source
At a Glance
San Diego State University is a public college in San Diego, CA. It enrolls 35,377 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25).
Deal Score
85
/ 100
Excellent value
Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes
Academics & Admissions
Student-Faculty Ratio
22:1
SAT Middle 50% / Avg GPA
Not reported
SAT
4.00
GPA (CDS)
Test Optional
Application Deadline
Application deadline: Nov 30, 2026
via Cal State Apply
Cost & Financial Aid
Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)$21,328
Avg net price, % of cost of attendance (2023-24)55%
Students Receiving Aid (CDS 2024-25)58%
Room & Board (2024-25)$23,030
Median Debt at Graduation$15,000
Highest-Earning Programs
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$100k/yr
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician$82k/yr
Computer Engineering$77k/yr
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$75k/yr
Computer Science$75k/yr
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering$74k/yr
How to Apply
Application deadlineNov 30, 2026
From the school’s admissions page; years projected for fall 2027 entry. Source
Apply via
Cal State Apply
$70 fee
Explore Careers
Discover careers related to San Diego State University's top programs
The Vibe
Not enough data
Rigor
6
Career
8
Value
City: Large
Setting
Out of 10. Rigor from the SAT middle-50% midpoint (400 = 0, 1600 = 10); Career from median earnings 10 years after entry ($10k per point); Value is the Deal Score ÷ 10. Setting is the federal locale.
College Decoded Grades
Not enough data
Academics
A
Value
B
Outcomes
A+
Diversity
Not enough data
Housing
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How much do families pay at San Diego State University?
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $9,910 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $10,017 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $12,697 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $15,891 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,821 |
Average net price after grants, from the federal College Scorecard. See the full Cost tab
See your real chances and true cost at San Diego State University