University of Pennsylvania Vs San Diego State University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Pennsylvania Vs San Diego State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Pennsylvania Vs San Diego State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Pennsylvania Vs San Diego State University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Pennsylvania Vs San Diego State University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.

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University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State UniversityStudent Ratings
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State University MS
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State University BBA
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State University B.Sc.
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State University M.A.
Other courses
- M.Phil (5 courses)
- PG Certificate (26 courses)
- M.Arch (3 courses)
- B.E. / B.Tech (15 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (2 courses)
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- B.E. / B.Tech (10 courses)
- B.J.M.C. (2 courses)
- B.A. (30 courses)
- BSN (1 course)
- MSN (1 course)
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University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State UniversityCollege Comparison
University of Pennsylvania V/s San Diego State UniversityCampus Comparison
Student’s views on campus
Views on University of Pennsylvania campus
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Anonymous
BA in Architecture - Batch of 2027
3.3
The campus is quite happening and safe as well.
Tips: So as a freshman, you will not have the option but to reside in campus housing in the first year of college. Following this, you are allowed to switch after, but till then, you will most likely be given a randomly assigned roommate as well. The campus is quite happening and safe as well. The Springs Flying is something to look forward to, and there are a lot of social gatherings in the form of mixers, games and events. The classes include active participation, which may help save your grades as well. Try to involve yourself in classes, clear your doubts, and prepare thoroughly for presentations. The faculty are very kind and understanding and will guide you throughout. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025Read more
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Rohan Nagesh 
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2025
2.7
The university has a good campus and loads of resources to live a wholesome student life.
Tips: The university is expensive and the city is not really that safe. The workload is high with a lot of assignments. The university offers a diverse range of courses but lacks concentration on one. Prospects of engineering jobs are low with not many university recruiters approaching students for post-study options.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2024Read more
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Priyanshu Mittal 
MSE Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics - Batch of 2024
3.7
Give a second thought before applying.
Tips: The university life here is very much different from that in India. At least in engineering, students spend most of their time completing assignments and completing lectures. UPenn doesn't offer scholarships to Master's students but you can apply for part-time job as soon as you are on campus which will help you meet your living costs. Though the city is great, I would advise anybody who is coming to definitely give it a second thought as the job market right now is not good and doesn't look like will be better soon.
Likes (Public transportation): Philadelphia has buses, inter and intra-city trains, subways as well as trams. Also, it is easy to get cabs. Philadelphia as a city is small, hence, it is easy to go from one place to another through public transport. Furthermore, the university is located in the heart so one can go to most places by walking or cycling.
Dislikes (Value for money): Being an IVY League, the fee for the program is a lot. But compared to other universities UPenn doesn't have affiliation with the working industry. So the students don't get any benefit while looking for jobs in the market. At least in the US going to cheaper universities would be a better choice
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2024Read more
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Anonymous
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3
Challenging and Stressful but equally rewarding experience at this college.
Tips: There are no scholarships available and there is no significant cultural shift. Transitioning with respect to weather may take time. Overall, university courses are good but challenging, and finding jobs and internship can be difficult. While on-campus jobs are available and helpful, they do not offer any tuition fee waivers.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at this college are highly approachable and knowledgeable. They employ an intuitive teaching method and assign practical tasks. The teaching faculty is mostly of Asian and American background representing all types of specializations in Electrical engineering. The courses are rather challenging and not easy.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2024Read more
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Rajnish Gupta 
Scientific Computing, MSE - Batch of 0
3.5
Best learning experience.
Tips: The University might not exactly be what you expected. It is a great learning experience, and there are a lot of things to do, that it can become overwhelming and stressful at times. But if I were to choose to do it again, at some other time, with a better job market, I would. Try not to get distracted by a lot of things you see around you, as that can happen initially.
Likes (Public transportation): Philly has great and affordable public transport, you can reach pretty much anywhere in 30-40 mins, and most places of interest, downtown can be accessed in 10-15mins through the subway from University, and the transport runs at longer hours, although not the safest way to travel during certain hours the day if you're alone, but that comes in safety as per the city. The connectivity and timing itself are great.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are no Indian food options in University dining, and in general Indian food options around Philly are although not limited, but are not excellent, or anywhere close to what you can find in cities like NYC, Jersey or Chicago. There is a lot of frozen food at Indian Stores, but that is not the most healthy option out there.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2024Read more
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Anonymous
MSE Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.6
Biotech research powerhouse. Amazing opportunities.
Tips: For the CBE department, most research is in the biotech sector and so are the jobs and internships. Professors are very nice and will help you if you ask for it.
The courses are tough but are of very high quality. However, the CBE courses are very theoretical.
Dislikes (Safety): Philadelphia is not a very safe city. There are lots of break-ins and thefts. Cycles parked outside will get stolen even if locked. The Penn campus is very safe with good security. Penn also has shuttles that run at night and walking escorts for student safety.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2024Read more
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Anonymous
Robotics, MSE - Batch of 2024
4.3
Lots of work and hard courses but great program. Effort is respected
Tips: The classes consist of diverse ethnicities and you hence experience an initial cultural shock. Scholarships are not available for MS students. RA opportunities are also very selective for MS students. TA opportunities are much easier to come by. Quite happy with my choice of university.
Likes (Student Life): Regular socializing events are conducted on campus. Study environment is not too stressful. Happy hours are organized once a month by every department and apart from that all the festivities also have an associated event. Regional festivities are dealt with by the Pan-Asian community and it depends on their yearly budget.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Hard to find a job that sponsors H1B. The green card process is another big headache. H1B is got through a lottery system and is then renewed every 3 years until you are eligible to apply for a green card. And you need to hold the green card for a certain number of years before you are eligible for citizenship.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2024Read more
Views on San Diego State University campus
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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.
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024Read more
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!
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2024Read more
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.
Reviewed on 1 May 2023Read more
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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.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2023Read more

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.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2023Read more
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.
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2022Read more
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