San Diego State University
Campus Identity
San Diego State University is a large public university in San Diego, CA. Approximately 35,377 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 36% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 9 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
San Diego State University is a large public university in San Diego, CA. Approximately 35,377 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 36% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 9 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D1
Mountain West
Greek Life
Active Greek System
11% frats · 12% sororities
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Beach Access
9 miles
Coronado Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
62°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California
California
California
Beach Town
Coronado Beach, CA
Ocean access within 9.0 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · San Diego, CA
Station: SAN DIEGO MONTGOMERY FIELD · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,742 | $17,622 |
| Fees | $2,394 | $2,394 |
| Room & Board | $22,824 | $22,824 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $30,960 | $42,840 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
226 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is San Diego State University located?
San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA. The main campus address is 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?
San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%, making it selective. Out of 89,972 applicants, 32,561 were admitted in the most recent year. 35,377 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend San Diego State University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, San Diego State University charges $5,742/year for in-state students and $17,622/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($22,824/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $20,016/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use San Diego State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for San Diego State University?
The undergraduate application fee at San Diego State University is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does San Diego State University have college sports?
Yes — San Diego State University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Mountain West. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is San Diego State University the right fit for me?
Whether San Diego State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (36% admit rate), cost ($17,622/year out-of-state), campus culture in San Diego, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh San Diego State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with San Diego State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Mountain West
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 62°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 52/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Diego, CA (SAN) · 8 mialso NKX (8 mi), NZY (10 mi)
Location
San Diego, CA