Campus Vibe
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.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
San Diego State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
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
76.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,847
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).
Programs (212)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
- •90% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
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
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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