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.
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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
San Diego State University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 9 miles from Coronado Beach, CA and 100 miles from Snow Valley Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Mountain West
Greek Life
Moderate Greek Life
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
San Diego State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Snow Valley Mountain Resort, 100 miles away with 12 lifts and 240 skiable acres. All are within 102 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at San Diego State University are 9 miles from Coronado Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Coronado Beach, CA
Ocean access within 9.0 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · San Diego, CA
San Diego has a mild climate, with winters averaging 56°F in Dec and summers peaking around 74°F in Aug.
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
San Diego State University in CA earns a composite safety score of 52/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
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
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,728 | $21,328 |
| Fees | $2,394 | $2,394 |
| Room & Board | $22,824 | $22,824 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $33,946 | $46,546 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields 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 2024-25 academic year, San Diego State University charges $8,728/year for in-state students and $21,328/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($22,824/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $20,016/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,364/year — what students actually pay. 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), avg net price ($15,364/year after aid), 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.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: 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