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San Diego State University : Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
283 acre campus- Estd. 1897
Last updated on 26 Nov '25San Diego State UniversityWhat's new?
- The regular admission deadline for international students is done on a rolling basis.
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego, and since its founding in 1897, SDSU has grown to become a leading public research university. San Diego's dynamic urban core, coastal and mountain access, beautiful weather, blue skies, and sandy beaches give students a unique college experience. According to the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, San Diego State University has an overall ranking of #472 in world and #128 in USA.
San Diego State's acceptance rate is 39.3% which makes it selective for international student admissions. Students who secured admission at San Diego State have an average SAT score between 1090-1300 and an average ACT score of 22-29. San Diego State University's cost is around USD 20,000 for international students.
SDSU ranks in the top 10 for students studying abroad and for ethnic diversity. The university has produced more than 90 Fulbright student scholars since 2005. SDSU has a range of academic centers and institutes some of them are the Academy for Professional Excellence, Communication Systems and Signal Processing Institute, Center for Accounting in the Public Interest, Corporate Governance Institute, and Center for Asian and Pacific Studies.
San Diego State University Things To Know
Some of the important things to know about San Diego State University are given as follows:
| Things To Know | Validation |
|---|---|
| Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#472 in World and #128 in USA |
| Tuition Fees |
UG: INR 10.54 L - INR 17.66 L PG: INR 5.96 L - INR 24.75 L |
| Admission Rarity | 39.3% |
| Campus Address | 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182, United States |
San Diego State University History
Initially established as the San Diego Normal School in 1897, San Diego State University (SDSU) was a regular institution dedicated to preparing elementary school teachers. After moving to its 17-acre campus on Park Boulevard, it opened to 135 students in November 1898. As the school grew throughout time, it became a public research university and a major site of the California State University system, catering to a considerably wider range of students.
Students can also read the Study Guide to the USA for International Students
Learn more about San Diego State University Highlights in the below videos:
San Diego State University Ranking 2025
San Diego State University is a very well-known university nationally as well as globally, ranked by some of the top ranking bodies. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, San Diego State University ranking was recorded as #121 at the national level for year 2025.
The university is also ranked by QS at #1001 in 2025 for the World University Ranking category. This ranking in 2024 was #1001, witnessing a stagnant trend.
The Shiksha Popularity Ranking also recognizes some of the courses offered by the university. San Diego State University courses that are ranked include:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MIM | #147 |
| BBA | #79 |
| MS | #121 |
| Others PG | #120 |
| M.A. | #143 |
#480
#125
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Howard University and San Diego State University are Tier 2 universities globally and have their own admission criteria as well as rankings. The comparative factors of both universities are given as follows:
| Category | Howard University | San Diego State University |
|---|---|---|
| US News Ranking | #767 | #593 |
| Tuition Fees (MS) | INR 27 L | INR 9.6 L - INR 17.9 L |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | 38% |
San Diego State University Programs
San Diego State University offers 97 bachelor's, 84 master's, 82 certificate programs, and 23 doctoral degree courses to international students. SDSU also offers over 350 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries. Renowned for its academic excellence, the university is home to highly-ranked graduate programs in Business, Engineering, Public health, Clinical psychology, Fine arts, Biological sciences, Public Affairs, Education, as well as Speech-language Pathology, and Audiology.
4.4(5)12 months - 3 yearsAishwarya + 10 others got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
13.7K+ students got admitted through us.
San Diego State University Admission 2026
Students seeking admission to San Diego State University have to fill the online application form, submit mandatory documents and pay the application fee. San Diego State University accepts some exam scores at the time of admission, including English language exams. Some of the exam scores that Indian students have to submit for admission are IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, Duolingo and GMAT. The documents that have to be submitted are SOP, LOR and CV.
- Application fees :USD 55 - 70
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University Scholarships
San Diego State University has a lot of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Some of the international scholarships at the university are given as follows:
-
International Studies Minor Scholarship for Study Abroad
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- German Chancellor Fellowship
-
SDSU Associated Students Study Abroad Scholarship
The university also offers Financial Aid opportunities to international students based on their academic needs.
Students can check the Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2025-26
Financial Aid Sources in the USA for International Students 2026
San Diego State University Popular Courses
18 monthsSan Diego State UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
6 Verified Reviews- 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
(1) 1 person found this helpful
San Diego State University Placements
The SDSU Career Services provides opportunities to students and alumni through partnerships, education, and programming at the university. Some of the career services offered at the university are given as follows:
- On-Campus Jobs
- SDSU Career Fairs
- Majors and Careers
- Internships
- Reaching out to Student Organizations
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
The alumni placement data highlights at San Diego State University are given as follows:
- Some of the top organizations where SDSU alumni members have been placed include Qualcomm, Amazon, Apple, LPL Financial, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce.
- A few of the top alumni industries at San Diego State University are Business Development, Sales, Engineering, Operations, Community and Social Services, and Finance.
- The top alumni course preferences at San Diego State University are Business Administration and Management, Psychology, Marketing, Economics, Computer Science and International Business.
Students can check the Internships and Jobs in USA
Top Recruiters
San Diego State University Fees
San Diego State University has an application fee of USD 70 for international applicants. The undergraduate costs of attendance at SDSU during the academic year 2024-25 are given as follows:
| Category |
University Housing |
Living Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
|
|
USD 8,728 |
USD 8,728 |
|
Nonresident tuition |
USD 12,600 |
USD 12,600 |
|
Books, supplies |
USD 946 |
USD 946 |
|
Food, housing |
USD 23,030 |
USD 17,672 |
|
Transportation |
USD 1,172 |
USD 2,468 |
|
Miscellaneous, personal |
USD 2,214 |
USD 2,908 |
|
Out of State and International Student Fee |
$2,000 |
USD 2,000 |
|
Total academic year |
USD 50,690 |
USD 47,322 |
Students can check the Eligibility for Studying in the USA for International Students
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(34 courses) | INR 13 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 85, GRE: 290 & Above, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | INR 16 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
BBA(10 courses) | INR 18 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(8 courses) | INR 18 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
Others PG(2 courses) | INR 14 L - 15 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
B.A.(29 courses) | INR 18 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MPH(1 course) | INR 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
M.A.(17 courses) | INR 12 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE |
BSN(1 course) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
B.Sc.(15 courses) | INR 18 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
San Diego State UniversityStudent profile
Others
47%
Hispanic
34%
Asian
13%
Black
3%
In state
76%
Out of state
21%
Foreign
1%
24 and under
88%
25 and over
11%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
San Diego State University Notable Alumni
San Diego State University has more than 500,000 alumni members worldwide. SDSU alumni network include innovators, mentors, and more. A few more popular alumni members at SDSU are listed below:
| Name | Profession | Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Jo Raquel Welch | American actress |  |
| Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper (Saweetie) | American rapper and singer |  |
| Kathleen Kennedy | American film producer |  |
College comparison
Compare San Diego State University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 12.69 L - 26.25 L | #1001 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 6.37 L - 17.44 L | #1677 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 13.06 L - 26.26 L | #208 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.48 L - 20.31 L | -/- | |
| INR 10.95 L - 20.17 L | #1542 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.39 L - 27.23 L | #1279 US News, 2025 |
CompareSan Diego State UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
San Diego State University FAQs
Below we have given the cost of attendance for undergraduate students at San Diego State University (SDSU).
Expense | Living in university housing | Living off campus |
|---|---|---|
Basic tuition and fees* | USD 8,290 | USD 8,290 |
Nonresident tuition* | USD 11,880 | USD 11,880 |
Books, supplies | USD 908 | USD 908 |
Food, housing | USD 21,630 | USD 17,110 |
Transportation | USD 1,114 | USD 2,344 |
Miscellaneous, personal | USD 2,130 | USD 2,796 |
Out of State and International Student Fee* | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
Total academic year | USD 46,952 | USD 44,328 |
San Diego State University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 months ago
With an MBA placement rate of 92%, SDSU offers good future prospects. The top recruiting companies for undergraduates include Nestle USA, PepsiCo, Solar Turbines, Toyota Financial Services, Deloitte, Microsoft, Facebook, US Bank, United Technologies Corp., West Pac Wealth Partners, Whova, etc.
Wher
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
San Diego State University acceptance rate is 35.9%, which means out of every 100 students who apply to SDSU admissions, the university is likely to offer the opportunity to enroll to around 35-36 students.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
San Diego State University received over 90,500 applications from students for the admission cycle of 2024-25. Whereas the number of students admitted crossed 32,500, and the students enrolled crossed 6,600. This suggests that the San Diego State University acceptance rate stands at 35.97%. San Die
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Yes, it is quite difficult to get admission at San Diego State University.
The admissions are very selective at San Diego State University as on the basics of records only 34 out of 100 application are accepted per year which makes a percentage of 34% only.
Should have at least a 2.5 GPA or greater
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 9 months ago
According to QS World Rankings 2025, San Diego State University has been ranked at #1001 in the world. Some of other world rankings of the university are mentioned below -
| Year | QS Rankings | US News Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1001 | 593 |
| 2024 | 1001 | 708 |
| 20025 | 1001 | NA |
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
San Diego State University
Front View
Campus
Building
San Diego State UniversityLocation
| University City | San Diego, California, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 14,19,516 |
San Diego State UniversityCampuses
5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
Visit official siteSan Diego State UniversityContact Information
5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
San Diego ( California)
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