About San Diego State University
San Diego State University has built a reputation as a powerhouse in business education and athletic excellence. The university enrolls 33,654 students in California's second-largest city. SDSU's business programs consistently rank among the top public programs nationally, while the Aztecs compete fiercely in NCAA Division I athletics. Notable graduates include baseball legend Tony Gwynn and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, reflecting the school's strong sports culture.
Students pay an average net price of $16,174 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a major research university. Graduates earn a median of $64,909 ten years after graduation, suggesting solid return on investment. The typical graduate leaves with $15,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $159. Only 31% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many families can manage costs without extensive borrowing.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 36% Hispanic students and 34% white students creating a multicultural environment. The 90% retention rate shows students generally stick with their choice to attend SDSU. With 447 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports and over $10 million in athletic scholarships, sports remain central to campus identity.
Students pay an average net price of $16,174 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a major research university. Graduates earn a median of $64,909 ten years after graduation, suggesting solid return on investment. The typical graduate leaves with $15,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $159. Only 31% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many families can manage costs without extensive borrowing.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 36% Hispanic students and 34% white students creating a multicultural environment. The 90% retention rate shows students generally stick with their choice to attend SDSU. With 447 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports and over $10 million in athletic scholarships, sports remain central to campus identity.
Academics & Faculty
San Diego State operates as a major public research university with particularly strong business and communications programs that draw students nationwide. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in popular majors, though upper-level courses offer more personal attention. SDSU's 78% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support despite the university's size of over 33,000 students. The school has built a national reputation for its Fowler College of Business and journalism programs. Research opportunities exist across disciplines, from psychology to engineering, giving undergraduates chances to work alongside faculty on meaningful projects that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 78.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 78.3%
- Retention Rate
- 90.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,909
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,192 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $87,377 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $76,460 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $76,460 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $72,231 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,575 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $70,456 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,757 |
Campus Life
SDSU's campus sits in the heart of America's Finest City, where students trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen in San Diego's 70-degree Mediterranean climate. With housing capacity for 8,664 students out of 33,654 total enrollment, about a quarter of students live on campus while most experience the broader San Diego lifestyle. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls, but the campus buzzes with energy from its NCAA Division I athletics program and 447 student-athletes competing across 16 varsity sports.
Weekends revolve around Aztec football games at Snapdragon Stadium and exploring San Diego's beaches, Balboa Park, and Gaslamp Quarter just minutes away. The campus culture blends serious academics with California's laid-back vibe. Students represent diverse backgrounds, with 36.17% Hispanic and 34.26% White students creating a active community. Greek life, research opportunities, and internships with San Diego's biotech and business sectors keep students engaged. The 90.32% retention rate reflects how students embrace both campus traditions and the endless recreation opportunities that come with living in Southern California's top college town.
Weekends revolve around Aztec football games at Snapdragon Stadium and exploring San Diego's beaches, Balboa Park, and Gaslamp Quarter just minutes away. The campus culture blends serious academics with California's laid-back vibe. Students represent diverse backgrounds, with 36.17% Hispanic and 34.26% White students creating a active community. Greek life, research opportunities, and internships with San Diego's biotech and business sectors keep students engaged. The 90.32% retention rate reflects how students embrace both campus traditions and the endless recreation opportunities that come with living in Southern California's top college town.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,664 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1897
Campus Safety (2023)
87 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 18 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Rape | 11 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
SDSU draws heavily from California, with over four out of five students staying in-state to attend this respected public university. The student body reflects San Diego's diverse population, with Hispanic students making up more than a third of enrollment and substantial Asian and white populations creating a multicultural campus. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for universities with strong liberal arts and education programs alongside SDSU's well-known business school. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking quality education at an affordable price.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 34.3%
- Black
- 3.7%
- Hispanic
- 36.2%
- Asian
- 13.4%
- In-State Students
- 82.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.4%
Location
San Diego State sits in California's second-largest city, home to 1.4 million residents. The campus lies just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego and minutes from Pacific beaches. Students experience year-round sunshine with average temperatures of 72 degrees. The university anchors a active college area in the heart of a major metropolitan region. San Diego's economy centers on biotechnology, military research, and tourism industries. The city offers internships at over 3,000 tech companies and major employers like Qualcomm. Students can surf before class or explore Balboa Park's museums. The campus sits 120 miles south of Los Angeles and 20 miles north of the Mexican border. Students considering colleges in California may also compare San Diego State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Diego, California 92182-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,909
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,488
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?
San Diego State University accepts 39.26% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school draws primarily from California, with 82.73% of students coming from in-state.
How much does San Diego State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,174 annually across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,655 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) typically pay $24,913.
What is San Diego State University known for academically?
SDSU operates as a public research university with a student-faculty ratio of 22:1. The school has built a strong reputation for its business programs and research activities across its 33,654-student campus.
How much do San Diego State University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $64,909 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects at 93.4%. The typical graduate leaves with just $15,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $159.
Where do students live at San Diego State University?
The campus houses 8,664 students in on-campus facilities, though with total enrollment at 33,654, most students live off-campus. Room and board costs $21,630 annually for those who choose campus housing.
Does San Diego State University have strong athletics?
The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I with 16 varsity sports and 447 total athletes in the Mountain West Conference. The athletic program awards $10,420,385 in scholarships and has produced notable professional athletes like NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and NBA player Kawhi Leonard.
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