San Diego State University campus
San Diego State University logo

San Diego State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Dormitory capacity 6,514
Student to faculty ratio 26 to 1
Acceptance rate 38%
Students retention rate 90%
On-time graduation rate 76%

Located in San Diego, California, SDSU is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

San Diego State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

SDSU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 90% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

37.9%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$8,136

Cost of attendance at San Diego State University in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$20,016

Cost of attendance at San Diego State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 47 of freshman students at San Diego State University received on average $9,026 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,026
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 1,202 25% $5,474 $6,579,236
Other Federal Grant 1,202 25% $5,630 $6,767,085
State Grant/Scholarships 1,706 36% $3,328 $5,678,303
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,198 25% $6,557 $7,855,111
Total Grant & Scholarships 2,249 47% $9,026 $20,300,499

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of San Diego State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of San Diego State University students is 76.2%. Female students graduated at a rate of 79.9%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 71.6%.

76.2%

  • asian 82.1% 628 students
  • African American 74.3% 150 students
  • white 79.4% 1,458 students
  • unknown 77.5% 145 students
  • hawaiian 83.3% 10 students
  • hispanic 74.9% 950 students
  • International Students 53.6% 162 students
  • Mixed Race 71.6% 259 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Mountain West Conference
  • Baseball Mountain West Conference
  • Basketball Mountain West Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Mountain West Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

San Diego State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

San Diego State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training