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San Diego State University: Admissions, Cost and Majors

By the Lens team · Updated September 14, 2026

Campus of San Diego State University
Photo: Wikipedia User:Geographer · CC BY 1.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego, California, with about 35,400 undergraduates. It admitted 36.2% of applicants for fall 2024. Published tuition and fees are $8,728 a year for in-state students and $21,328 for students from other states, before aid.

What San Diego State costs

San Diego State University charges $8,728 a year in published tuition and fees for California residents, about $4,364 a semester, and $21,328 a year for students from other states, about $10,664 a semester. With housing, food, books and other costs, the total cost of attendance for in-state students is $27,780 a year. Students who received grants or scholarships paid $12,721 a year on average after that aid (the average net price). You may pay less if receiving grants or scholarships.

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Getting into San Diego State

For fall 2024, San Diego State University received 89,972 applications and admitted 32,561 students, and 6,629 enrolled as first-years.

What San Diego State students study

The most common bachelor's degrees at San Diego State University (class of 2024, first majors only):

MajorDegrees
Business Administration and Management2,156
Psychology669
Criminal Justice / Safety Studies542
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education / Fitness405
Speech Communication and Rhetoric300
Art / Art Studies278
Liberal Arts and Sciences / Liberal Studies260
Biology / Biological Sciences252

Source: IPEDS Completions, bachelor's degrees awarded in 2023–24.

Colleges near San Diego State

Other colleges within about an hour, by straight-line distance:

Colleges like San Diego State

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Lists that include San Diego State

FAQ

What is San Diego State University's acceptance rate? 36.2% for fall 2024: 32,561 of 89,972 applicants were admitted.

How much is tuition at San Diego State University? $8,728 a year for in-state students and $21,328 for out-of-state students, in published tuition and fees before aid. You may pay less if receiving grants or scholarships.

How many students go to San Diego State University? About 35,400 undergraduates (fall 2024).

What is the campus setting at San Diego State University? The National Center for Education Statistics classifies its location as a big city.

Sources

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