University of California - Riverside Campus Vs San Diego State University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of California - Riverside Campus Vs San Diego State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of California - Riverside Campus Vs San Diego State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of California - Riverside Campus Vs San Diego State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of California - Riverside Campus Vs San Diego State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
University of California - Riverside Campus
Choose Course ->
San Diego State University
Choose Course ->
Add College
University of California - Riverside Campus
Choose Course ->
San Diego State University
Choose Course ->
Add College
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State UniversityStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
3.7/5
5 Verified Reviews
3 Internships- 3.4 Part time work
- 3.4 Post study jobs
- 4.6 Quality of faculty
- 4 Student Life
View More Ratings
4.3/5
6 Verified Reviews- 3.8 Internships
- 4.7 Part time work
- 4.3 Post study jobs
- 4.7 Quality of faculty
- 4.8 Student Life
View More Ratings
Add college to view Student's Rating
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University MS
View Detailed MS comparision ->
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University MBA/PGDM
View Detailed MBA/PGDM comparision ->
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University B.E. / B.Tech
View Detailed B.E. / B.Tech comparision ->
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University BBA
View Detailed BBA comparision ->
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University B.Sc.
View Detailed B.Sc. comparision ->
Other courses
- PG Certificate (1 course)
- PG Diploma (6 courses)
View More course
- B.A. (30 courses)
- BFA (1 course)
- MEng (1 course)
- B.Arch (1 course)
- BSN (1 course)
View More course
Add college to view Courses
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State UniversityCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1954
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
1200 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
1897
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
283 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State UniversityCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
University at a Glance
UCR Campus Tour
Graduate Studies
Life at UCR
UCR Housing
Aerial View
Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management
Raymond L. Orbach Science Library
The Tomás Rivera Library
University Village
UCR Bell Tower
Residence Hall
Entrance and Art Building
Lecture Hall
Classroom
SDSU Webinar
SDSU Transform Your Tomorrow
SDSU Move-In Experience
Define Your Tomorrow at SDSU
Fall 2023 Recruitment - High School Seniors
Front View
Campus
Building
Aerial View
Classroom
Lecture Hall
Library
Library
Auditorium
Student Union Theatre
Zura residence Hall
AccommodationGet a detailed campus view, add a college
Country Facts
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities- Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on UC Riverside campus
A
Anonymous
M.S in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.2
An average American university (Not top 50)
Tips: Scholarships are limited, you have to apply by yourself.
There are a lot of international students so not much cultural shift.
The course is okay and doable. Have to put in effort. The area is not such a great place. It's a college town but still, the rent is pretty high. Tuition is for 4 quarters 15 months and since it finishes early you can save on other cost. Faculty is good and all are from great universities. Teaching is also good and on par with the best universities.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 82525
S
Sai Vamsi Reddy Kinkiri
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.6
Job market is a bit rough currently.
Tips: The studies in the university are at a satisfactory level. The research opportunities are relatively good. Students should start looking for accommodation early if they desire to stay near campus. Approach seniors in your desired course of study to enquire about how the course structure is. UCR follows the quarter system and not the semester system. So exams come and go quickly.
Likes (Public transportation): The public transport across the county is good. The bus transport is free for all UCR students and can easily be enrolled. There is also a metro system which connects Riverside to places all across the county like Los Angeles etc. The metro system is also free for all UCR students.
Dislikes (Internships): The internship market in general is not in a good state now. A lot of students from all over the United States are struggling to get internships. It is not particularly related to UCR and students should start searching early for internships. The job market might get better next year.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 850
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
3.3
Good college to study and very good experience
Tips: UCR has a quarter based system. So it will be hectic and have to put in a lot of time every week. Getting TA jobs is relatively hard for Master Students but not impossible. MS students can get Reader jobs relatively easily. The people here are friendly and the professors are very approachable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4.2
I'm pretty satisfied with the college
Tips: The college is a bit more inclined towards academia, where you will need to read a lot of research papers. Though it may not completely align with you if you are solely focused on getting a job, I feel being a master's student, this is one skill one should possess.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1125
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80775
A
Aditya Srinivas Karamangala Amar
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4
Quality faculty members with supportive staff.
Tips: The college is research oriented, so many professors give research paper reading and critique as assignments. Grading is easy as long you don't cheat and submit assignments on time. The college also supports the students a lot. The recreational center is huge and is a good place to chill. Also note that it is a quarter system, so some might feel it is hectic but to be honest, it is not, you just need to plan things.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty is well-qualified and explain the concepts very well. They encourage research and projects. They are very flexible and open to extending deadlines. Professors do not mind having discussions and meeting people after class hours. We can even work on projects under professors.
Dislikes (Indian Food): No tasty vegetarian Indian food. I don't eat meat so I don't know about non-veg food, but from what I have heard it is better than vegetarian food. The food was bland and I felt it was made out of cold storage stuff, which we already have at home. It doesn't taste like food back in India even though Indians are running these restaurants.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 812
Prepping time for classes13 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
3.6
Nice experience but too expensive
Tips: No part-time jobs are available except for teaching assistance and research assistants.
I learned so much from my coursework but it is a little difficult to get scholarships.
There are not many Indian restaurants so have to adapt to the culture here.
You can get help from the university for groceries and basic needs.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1075
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Views on San Diego State University campus
A
Anonymous
MS/MA in Geography - Batch of 2026
Offered by San Diego State University
3.9
Lovely place to study.
Tips: The best thing about this university is how accepting and welcoming the environment is and students often go out of their way to make you feel included. Another plus point has been the faculty and the fact that they are happy to help out whenever needed. Explore the campus when you get here as the architecture is beautiful and you will get an idea about where your classes are located.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5475
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85975
A
Anonymous
MS in Big Data Analytics - Batch of 2024
Offered by San Diego State University
4.2
School of fun & opportunities
Tips: There are so many hidden opportunities like scholarships, job opportunities, fun gigs. Be open to opportunities and don't hesitate to speak to anyone. You don't know where you find the gold. Do not just sit in the heads of Indian students. Make at least two or three American friends and learn about their work styles and methods.
Likes (Part time work): SDSU has a lot of options for part time jobs. You just have to be proactive. There are ample opportunities in student dorms, dining, TA & RA, and Lab Assistant opportunities. Also, there are many clubs and cultural centres that hire Undergraduate and Graduate Student Assistants. So make sure you follow their Instagram pages for lot many opportunities.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent settlement in US is very difficult if you follow the track of doing Masters and then availing work permit. It depends on factors if your employer sponsors the position then if your H1B is picked. USCIS has been very strict in recent years considering the immigration norms. US is any time place with lots of money and opportunities. However India is still growing at a rapid pace. So if you are earning more than 20LPA in India with an experience of less than 3 years. I would suggest considering growth opportunities in India!
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 850
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS Information Systems - Batch of 2024
Offered by San Diego State University
4.6
The University in America's Finest City: San Diego State University
Tips: There is a cultural shift as there is a very diverse student population and campus culture. University has welcoming faculty and staff are always ready to help you. SDSU is known for academic excellence, diverse student body and vibrant college life, you can get engaged in research activities on campus. I am satisfied with the course structure and curriculum as it aligns with my area of interest. San Diego is popular for its climate, beaches and attraction.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 802
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 120420
P
Prashanth Kattela Chandrashekar
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
Offered by San Diego State University
4.1
Research well before joining.
Tips: I would say that as a student one should research on the coursework and the department. Thesis requirements, number of credits, course fees and living expenses. The taxes after getting a job are quite high compared to other states in California. All these said San Diego is a beautiful city and I don't intend to leave this city anytime soon.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1011
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100308
Chiranjivi Aulakh
MS in Medical Physics - Batch of 2024
Offered by San Diego State University
4.3
University where you could have fun while studying.
Tips: It is like every other American university. The fees here are less compared to other universities. It is very tough to get scholarships for your fees, but there are a ton of part-time opportunities at the university. Additionally, the weather here is beautiful so you do not have to worry about snow and harsh weather conditions. Plus, the university graduate association is very active, they will take you out for free to some tourist attractions in San Diego like the beach, zoo, sea world, etc.
Likes (Part time work): There are a lot of part time options here in the university. You can work as a TA, RA with your professors in your department. Apart from that, you could also work on campus with many restaurants and cafeterias. Also, the university has a stadium where all kinds of events happen and many students are employed there as well.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): It seems like a very long process, with first on F1 visa as a student, then OPT, then H1B and then PR. From what I have heard from the seniors, they have been in the US for like eight to ten years and they are still on some kind of work visa. But, life here is pretty good in San Diego.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1299
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 59170
V
Vaibhav Joshi
MS Information Systems - Batch of 2024
Offered by San Diego State University
5
Wonderfull Life at San Diego State University
Tips: Everyone should research properly for the course curriculum of this university and find out proper accommodations off campus. This university provides each and every information that is required by students, so that they can figure out the best course for themselves.
Likes (Public transportation): SDSU is famous for weekend parties. Everyone enjoys studying, working and parting on campus. The campus has movie night on every Mondays, where we can connect with other fellow students and learn from their experiences. The students here are polite enough to guide other students.
Dislikes (Internships): Faculties help every student to understand each and every concept. San Diego State University has a variety of professors that teaches even after provided class time. They help us in every possible way, be it with assignments, coding lectures and even self doubt classes for upcoming exams.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1507
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80034
Add college to view Student's Review
Similar colleges 👇
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, USAPublic
₹ 13.99 L - 63.4 L
San Jose State University
San Jose, USAPublic
₹ 6.37 L - 19.16 L
California State University - Chico Campus
Chico, USAPublic
₹ 13.48 L - 20.31 L
California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, USAPublic
₹ 11.18 L - 22.35 L
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, USAPublic
₹ 23.55 L - 61.69 L
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, USAPublic
₹ 10.97 L - 26.26 L
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, USAPublic
₹ 15.08 L - 50.58 L
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, USAPublic
₹ 10.58 L - 19.66 L
California State University Northridge
Los Angeles, USAPublic
₹ 6.45 L - 22.08 L
University of California, Davis
Davis, USAPublic
₹ 5.12 L - 69.13 L
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State UniversityRank Comparison
Ranks
Want to save this comparison?
UC Riverside V/s San Diego State University Popular & recent articles
USA
Raushan Kumar · Sep 11, 2025
Aishwarya Bhatnagar · Sep 19, 2025
Aishwarya Bhatnagar · Sep 8, 2025
43 views
View all News & Updates