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San Diego State University: Rankings, Fees, Programs, Placements
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Last updated on 8 Jan '25San Diego StateWhat's new?
- The applications for the Fall 2024 intake are now closed for admissions.
- The regular admission deadline for international students is done on a rolling basis.
- About San Diego State University
- San Diego State Popular Courses
- San Diego State University Programs
- San Diego State Student Reviews
- San Diego State University Scholarships
- + 9 more items
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 Grade Rankings, San Diego State University has an overall B++ ranking.
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 |
|---|---|
| Ranking | B++ (Source: Shiksha grade ranking) |
| 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
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:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The acceptance rate of San Diego State University is 37%, which upholds its reputation as a highly selective institute. Considering the university doesn’t have a high acceptance rate, students should still have good academic excellence, essays, Good Letters of recommendation, SOP, extracurricular activities, and many more to get selected. Applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into York College of Pennsylvania.
The acceptance rate of San Diego State University is 37%. This means that only 37 of applicants are admitted annually. It is also important to note that meeting minimum requirement criteria doesn’t guarantee admission during selection. However, applicants should give their best to present a strong application highlighting their academic achievements, experience and extracurricular activities to increase their chances of acceptance.
(Due to the unavailability of the current acceptance rate, the above data has been taken from unofficial sources. Hence, it is subject to vary.)
Below are the requirements for UG and PG for San Diego State University:
UG requirements:
Applicants must submit the requirements with all the supporting documents and have original and official academic records issued in English and/ or in any native language.
However, if the applicant doesn’t submit the documents and transcripts in English, they must submit a certified literal English translation of each document.
Applicants muts submit Grade reports/ transcripts for each year of study completed, i.e. 9-12th grade or 12th grade.
Two options exist to submit official secondary/Higher secondary school certificates to SDSU.
1st Option: An official Higher Secondary certificate of examination can be ordered from the examination board and mailed directly to SDSU or
The second option is that the secondary school examination certificate may be mailed from the secondary institution and must be attested by a school official that includes the front and bank of the exam results to be considered official.
PG requirements:
Applicants must submit university mark sheets from all the studies i.e. if the applicant has completed their Bachelor’s or master's.
Applicants must also submit provisional or final degree certificates for all studies.
Yes you can, as the university dosn't want GRE scores anymore. However, they want applicants to have a background in CS with a good GPA in their undergraduate course. But answering to the question, if a student has a GRE score of 302 then yes they will be considered . It is said that if you scored above 300, the applicant is better than half the test takers around the world. But students shouldn't just focus on getting marks, as they must also consider in soft skills, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and strong LOR's and SOP.
Below are the requirements for San Diego State University MBA Course:
LOR: Some MBA programs ask for a LOR, with particular exceptions.
Transcripts and degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates.
English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is excepting:
English Language proficiency | Minimum score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 and above in all bands |
PTE Academic | 58 and above |
TOFEL | 80 and above |
Duolingo English Test | 105 and above |
Entrance exam: Applicants need not submit any GRE/GMAT score, however, it’s not compulsory for applicants.
18 monthsSan 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.
4.412 months - 3 yearsAishwarya + 10 others got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The MS Computer Science at San Diego State University has an Application fee of $70. This fee is typically non-refundable and covers the cost of processing and viewing the applications. It is important to note that the Application fee differs from the other fees. However, the application fee might vary depending on the intake, and it’s suggested that students should check the official for more information depending on the course and requirements
Below are the requirements of MS in Computer Science at San Diego State University:
CGPA - 3/4
Applicant must have an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Applicants should have background that is equivalent to the following courses at SDSU
Calculus I
Calculus II
Discrete Math
Linear Algebra
Introductory Computer Programming & Lab
Intermediate Computer Programming & Lab
Data Structures
Computer Organization
Upper division courses may be taken at SDSU Global Campus.
Computer Architecture
Algorithms
Operating System
Applicants must also submit their English Proficiency Test as mentioned below:
English Proficiency Test | Minimum required Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 and above |
PTE | 58 and above |
DUOLINGO | 105 and above |
TOEFL | 80 and above |
Note: However, applicants need not submit LOR’s, SOP or any other additional documents. Even by chance, the student submits it won't be considered as a process of application.
San Diego StateStudents Ratings & Reviews
6 Verified Reviews
- Friendly
- Multi-dimensional
- Fun loving
- Academically oriented
- 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
San Diego StateSan Diego State University Scholarships
San Diego State University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to 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 2023-24
Financial Aid Sources in the USA for International Students 2023
San Diego State University Admissions 2025
San Diego State University accepts applications during the Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes.
San Diego State University Application Deadlines for International Students
The admission deadlines for international students are given as follows:
| Intake | Deadline for First-Year | Deadline for PG |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Rolling Basis | Nov 30, 2024 |
San Diego State University Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for international students are given as follows:
- Completion of High School or Secondary Level
- Copy of Graduation Certificate
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Higher Secondary Certificate of Examination
- University's Mark Sheets
- SAT/ACT scores
Students can also read the Study Guide USA for International Students
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
San Diego State University and Universty of California San Diego are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of San Diego State University and University of California San Diego . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCSD | 20 | 25% (fall 2023) | UG: INR 36 L - 37 L PG: INR 47 L |
| San Diego State University | 1001-1200 | 37% | UG: INR 11 L - 17 L UG: INR 13 L - 25 L
|
(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)
San Diego State University offers admissions during the Fall and Spring intakes every year. The application deadlines for international students are given as follows:
| Type of Course | Deadline/Date |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Over |
| Graduate | Nov 30, 2025 |
Below is the application process at San Diego State University:
Step 1: Complete the Cal State Apply online application, and the applicant must pay a USD 70 non-refundable application fee.
Step 2: Applicants must make sure that their names match their passports and use the month/Day/Year format for their date of birth.
Step 3: Applicant must review the academic requirements for their country on SDSU requirements by country page. Contact the international admissions office for questions.
Step 4: Within two weeks of applying, receive an email with your SDSU id which grants access to my. SDSU
Step 5: Log in to my.SDSU with your SDSUif and password. Applicants must keep their email updated in their profile and use the admission portal to track their application status.
Dance, Music and theatre students will receive further information Via mail.
It is diffuclt for a out of state student to get into San Diego State University. However, it's not impossibel for international studnet to get into San Diego State University. However, to stand out applicants should strictly focus on presenting a positive view of themselves, beyond just academic achievements. Students should highlight their unique experiences, interests, and perspectives to help the examiner or the interviewer understand the applicant's potential. But again, students must not overdo things and boast about themselves in the mode of explaining themselves. Applicants are also suggested to have strong SOPs and LOR which can persuade the examiner to give them admission at the SDSU.
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 12 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 85 |
B.Sc.(15 courses) | INR 11 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
BBA(10 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
M.A.(17 courses) | INR 11 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | INR 16 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
B.A.(29 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(8 courses) | INR 17 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
Others PG(2 courses) | INR 13 L - 15 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MSN(1 course) | INR 6 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
MFA(2 courses) | INR 15 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
No, the San Diego State University has suspended submitting the GRE test due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. However, applicants can still submit the scores as it can add value to the portfolio for the applicant while submitting their application form.
The cost of attending the San Diego State University can vary depending on the main factors such as course, level of study (UG and PG) .However, International students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US citizens. The UG programme Academic tuition fee for international students is around (INR 16.7) per annum, depending on the course. It’s (INR 9.6 L - 17.9 L) for PG programs.
The MBA programme at San Diego State University has an Application fee of $70. This fee is typically non-refundable and covers the cost of processing and viewing the applications. It is important to note that the Application fee differs from the other fees.
Below are the English requirements for UG and PG at San Diego State University:
English Proficiency Test | Minimum required Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 and above |
PTE | 58 and above |
DUOLINGO | 105 and above |
TOEFL | 80 and above |
The length of time hearing back from the Universityt varies depending on the programme and the application volume received. Application takes 2 weeks from the date the application is received. The processing time may be extended if certain required documents still need to be included. Applicants can also check their status by contacting the University's admissions office for further information. But it is recommended to keep an eye on both your email and your SDSU applicant portal for any updates on your admission status.
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 Ranking 2025
San Diego State University is a 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 |
#446
#127
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 StateCollege comparison
Compare San Diego State with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 12.23 L - 25.31 L | #109 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.59 L - 25.32 L | #204 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 11.22 L - 17.75 L | #136 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 6.14 L - 27.26 L | #1624 US News, 2024 | |
| INR 11.94 L - 26.25 L | #1228 US News, 2024 | |
| INR 10.56 L - 19.44 L | #1522 US News, 2024 |
CompareSan Diego StateStudent 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 StateStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
San Diego State University Notable Alumni
San Diego State University has more than 500,000 alumni members from over 100 countries in the world. Some of the popular alumni members at San Diego State University are given as follows:
| Name | Profession | Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Jo Raquel Welch | American actress |  |
| Carl Weathers | American actor, director and gridiron football linebacker |  |
| Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper (Saweetie) | American rapper and singer |  |
| Anthony Keith Gwynn Sr. | American professional baseball right fielder |  |
| Kathleen Kennedy | American film producer |  |
San Diego State FAQs
San Diego State is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs across its 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.
Here are the reasons why you should go for San Diego State:
Academics: The University offers more than 97 bachelor's, 84 master's, degree courses to international students. SDSU also offers over 350 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries The San Diego State University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the San Diego State University.
Location of the university - TheCalifornia is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives San Diego State students an additional mark to study at San Diego State.
Ranking: San Diego State University is a Public university which is located in San Diego, USA. It was founded in 1897 and is one of the world's prestigious universities. It offers a variety of courses across various fields, catering to the interests of students across the globe. Recognised by THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking, San Diego State University is listed at 601-800 in 2023 among the top universities in the world.
Fees: : The cost of attending San Diego State for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at San Diego State are typically higher than for US citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending San Diego State.
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
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
The San Diego State University acceptance rate stands as 35.9%, meaning that 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. This makes the admission criteria of SDSU rather selective as less than half the
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 5 days ago
FAU acceptance rate is around 73%, whereas, that of San Diego State University is around 34%. This means that San Diego State University is more selective. A comparison between these two universities is given below:
Particulars | FAU | San Diego State University |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance rate | Around 73% | Around 34%. |
No. of courses offered | 170+ | 200+ |
Annual tuition fees | INR 11.9 L - 28.98 L | INR 6.1 L - 25.31 L |
Popular courses | MS, MBA | MS, MBA, BBA |
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days 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%.
Whereas
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 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 4 months ago
According to the QS World Rankings 2025, San Diego State University has been ranked at #1001 in the world. Some of the other world rankings of the university are given as follows:
| Year | QS World Rankings | US News Global Universities Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1001 | 593 |
| 2024 | 1001 | 708 |
| 20025 | 1001 | NA |
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
San Diego State
Front View
Campus
Building
San Diego StateLocation
| University City | San Diego, California, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 14,19,516 |
San Diego StateCampuses
5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
Visit official siteSan Diego StateContact Information
5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
San Diego ( California)
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