San Diego State University Overview

San Diego State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in San Diego, CA. It has an enrollment of 30,991 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 37.90%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $6,488. Tuition is $8,136.00 without financial aid.

San Diego State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At San Diego State University, 90.08% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

San Diego State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 26 to 1.

San Diego State University Website

San Diego State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 37.90%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

San Diego State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $6,488. The in-state tuition is $8,136.00. Out-of-state tuition is $20,016.00

The average tuition is:

• $1,133, when family income is less than $30,000

• $2,563, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $6,993, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $11,030, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $14,882, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 19.66% of students received a federal student loan and 32.45% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $20,016.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

San Diego State University Net Price Calculator

San Diego State University Majors/Salaries

San Diego State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at San Diego State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,715
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,535
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $49,214
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,305
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,748
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,072
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,690
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,318
• Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $67,995
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $64,196
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,181
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $46,478
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $65,486
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,317
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,456
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,757
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,089
• Construction Engineering Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,231
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $16,663
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,482
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,467
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,990
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,048
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,585
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,063
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,456
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,458
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,112
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,860
• Public Administration. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,332
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $49,990
• Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,689
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,121
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,988
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,826
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $16,940
• Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,327
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,892
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $70,456
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $52,733
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $51,273
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $71,575
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $87,377
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $104,192
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,705
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $68,499
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,415
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $67,899
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,319
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,992
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,937
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035

San Diego State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at San Diego State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.27%
• Asian: 13.43%
• Black: 4.18%
• Hispanic: 33.68%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.27%
• Non-resident alien: 4.20%
• Two or more races: 6.90%
• Unknown: 2.70%
• White: 34.36%

At San Diego State University, 13.09% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

San Diego State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University has a great school spirit, and it is evident through its high levels of participation in sports, clubs, and events on campus. The university’s athletic programs, in particular, are very popular among students and alumni, with many attending home games and supporting the Aztecs. SDSU also has a rich tradition of events and traditions such as “Aztec Nights,” “Homecoming Week,” and “Battle on the Mesa,” which help build community and maintain the school spirit on campus. Overall, SDSU is known for its vibrant campus culture, and the school spirit is one of the many reasons why many students love attending this university.

What are some popular extracurriculars at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the popular extracurriculars at SDSU include: 1. Associated Students: The student government at SDSU offers opportunities for students to get involved in student leadership and campus activities. 2. Greek Life: There are several fraternities and sororities at SDSU that provide social and community service opportunities for their members. 3. Intramural Sports: SDSU offers a variety of intramural sports, including basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer, among others. 4. Volunteer and Community Service: SDSU has a number of volunteer and community service programs that allow students to get involved in the local community. 5. Student Clubs and Organizations: There are over 300 student clubs and organizations at SDSU, ranging from academic and professional clubs to cultural and recreational clubs. 6. Performing Arts: SDSU has a thriving performing arts community, with opportunities for students to participate in theater, music, and dance productions. 7. Outdoor Adventure: SDSU’s Outdoor Adventures program offers opportunities for students to participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking, among others.

How are the food choices at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers a wide variety of food options to its students. The Aztec Marketplace is the central hub for dining on campus, offering a variety of food stations such as burgers, sushi, burritos, salads, and more. There are also many other dining options, including Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Subway. The university also features several food courts and cafes across campus. Students with dietary restrictions can find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at many of the locations. Overall, San Diego State University has diverse dining options that cater to a variety of dietary needs.

Is there Greek life at San Diego State University?

Yes, San Diego State University (SDSU) has a significant Greek life presence on campus. There are over 40 fraternities and sororities at SDSU, with approximately 15% of undergraduate students participating in Greek life. The various fraternities and sororities on campus are involved in philanthropy, leadership development, and social events. Many students find that joining a Greek organization is a great way to make friends and become involved in campus life.

What is San Diego State University known for?

San Diego State University (SDSU) is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, psychology, and education. In particular, it is recognized for its Fowler College of Business, which is accredited by AACSB International and has been ranked among the top 15 percent of undergraduate business programs in the United States by Bloomberg Businessweek. The university is also known for its entrepreneurship program, which was ranked #21 in the nation by The Princeton Review in 2021. Additionally, SDSU has a highly regarded School of Engineering, which offers a range of programs in areas such as aerospace, bioengineering, computer science, and construction engineering. Finally, the university is known for its commitment to sustainability, and has been recognized as one of the greenest campuses in the United States.

What are the most popular school clubs at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University has a wide variety of student clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests and hobbies. Some of the most popular school clubs at San Diego State University include: 1. Aztec Dance Marathon Club 2. Business Student Association 3. Entrepreneur Society 4. Gaming and Esports Club 5. Global Aztec Alliance 6. Pre-Health Professions Society 7. Student African American Brotherhood and Sisterhood 8. Student Veterans Organization 9. Women in Business Society These are just a few examples of the many student organizations at SDSU. Students can also create their own clubs or join any of the hundreds of other clubs that are available on campus.

Is the campus at San Diego State University safe?

San Diego State University takes campus safety seriously and has implemented many measures to keep students, faculty, and staff safe on campus. Although no college campus can be 100% safe, SDSU has a low crime rate compared to other universities in California and across the United States. The university has its own police department that patrols the campus 24/7, as well as emergency call boxes located throughout the campus. Additionally, SDSU offers various safety resources such as a safety escort program, emergency preparedness training, and a mobile safety app. It is always advisable to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings to stay safe on any campus.