San Diego State University
San Diego, California 92182-0001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
San Diego State University is a public institution in San Diego with particular strength in business and engineering.
A large campus of 33.7K undergraduates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
78% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,909 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,174.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Charlie Smith
History & Fun Facts
- •It opened with 7 faculty members and 91 students; at first, the curriculum was limited to English, history and mathematics.
- •In 1923, the San Diego Normal School became "San Diego State Teachers College", "a four-year public institution controlled by the California State Board of Education.
- •" The first graduating class of the opening year of the newly constructed San Diego Normal School, 1899 By the 1930s the school had outgrown its original campus.
- •In 1931 it moved to its current location on Montezuma Mesa at what was then the eastern edge of San Diego.
- •In 1935, the school expanded its offerings beyond teacher education and became "San Diego State College".
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
77.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,847
Programs (212)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
256
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium