San Diego State University
A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $55,900 within 10 years; strong 78% graduation rate.
About This School
San Diego State University is a public institution located in San Diego, California with approximately 33,654 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 34% of applicants. In-state tuition is $8,290 per year. The graduation rate is 78%, and the typical graduate earns $55,900 within 10 years of enrollment.
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1897, it is the third-oldest university and southernmost in the 23-member California State University (CSU) system. SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego; its academic roots were established as a normal school in University Heights, then known as the San Diego Normal School. In the fall of 2025, the university enrolled a record 41,184 students.
This is a strong option for students who want a real university experience at a manageable cost — median debt at graduation is just $15,000, which is notably low, and a 90% freshman retention rate signals that students who show up tend to stick around. The 78% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional for a selective school (34% acceptance rate), so motivated students should go in with a plan to finish. Located in San Diego with solid post-grad earnings of $55,900 at the 10-year mark, it offers good value, especially for California residents.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (33,654 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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