Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

San Diego State University

San Diego, California Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#126
Nationally
#24
In California
34%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$5,742
In-State Tuition
per year
78%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
34,050
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
64/100
Good
#126 nationally
#24 in California
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes78
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity60
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth86

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

San Diego State University is a public four-year university located in San Diego, California. With 34,050 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 34%, the institution is considered selective. In-state tuition is $5,742 per year ($17,622 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 78%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate34%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
82,800
Applied
28,517
Admitted
6,162
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$5,742/yr
In-State Fees$2,548/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$17,622/yr
Room & Board$22,538/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$30,828/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$42,708/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$5,742↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate78%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
34,050
Total Undergrads
56% F / 44% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 34%
Hispanic 36%
Black 4%
Asian 13%
Two or more 7%
International 3%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,742/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 78%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Large campus with 34,050 students β€” wide range of programs, clubs, and networking opportunities
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Room and board costs ($22,538/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who thrive in a large, diverse campus setting with extensive facilities and programs.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationSan Diego, California
SettingCity: Large
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#24
in California out of 7+ colleges
#126
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.