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San Diego State University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
283 acre campus- Estd. 1897
Last updated on 23 Mar '26San Diego State UniversityWhat's new?
- The regular admission deadline for UG students for the Fall intake is Apr 1, 2026
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego, California. It is a leading research institution and is one of the best public universities in the United States. US News ranks it among the top 20 universities in the US. SDSU California welcomes over 44,000 students from over 100+ countries. The university is divided into 8 academic colleges that deliver over 200 degree courses that include 97 UG degrees, 90 PG degrees, and 29 doctoral degrees.
It is also one of the few universities in the US to be an R1 research university. It received nearly USD 190 million in funding in the most recent financial year. The San Diego State University Acceptance Rate for International Students is 57%, according to an unofficial source.
San Diego State University Information
Some of the important things to know about San Diego State University are given as follows:
| Fact | Validation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1897 |
| Current President | Adela de la Torre |
| Annual Research | USD 230 million |
| Students | 44,000+ |
| Faculty & Staff | 6,890 |
| No of Graduating (Class of 2025) | 11,200 |
| Athletic Teams | 17 |
| UG Applications (for Fall 2025) | 123,000+ |
| Sporting Affiliation | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division I) |
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
Check out the videos below to know more about studies at SDSU.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
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.
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.
San Diego State University Ranking 2026
The San Diego State University ranking in USA is #123 nationally in 2026, as per Shiksha Popularity rankings. Shiksha has also given the San Diego State University Global Ranking 2026 as #498 in the world rankings. Subject rankings of SDSU California are also provided below:
| San Diego State University Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| LLM | #330 | #156 |
| MSN | - | #93 |
| MA | #624 | #171 |
| Others PG | #375 | #122 |
| MS | #562 | #122 |
| BBA | - | #66 |
| MIM | #589 | #143 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Given below is how SDSU ranks in the university rankings given by some prominent university ranking platforms.
- US News ranks it #64 for its UG Business courses in the year 2026
- The San Diego State University World Ranking 2026 according to THE is #1001
- ARWU places it #501 among universities globally
#498
#123
San Diego State University Programs
San Diego State University offers over 200 degree programs across the UG and PG levels of study. This includes courses in fields like Engineering, Business, and Health. The SDSU Courses are delivered by the university across its 8 academic colleges. Listed below are the colleges and academic divisions at the San Diego State Uni that deliver these courses.
| San Diego State University Colleges and Academic Divisions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts and Letters | Fowler College of Business | College of Education | College of Engineering |
| College of Health and Human Services | College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts | College of Sciences | Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement |
| Division of Graduate Affairs | |||
San Diego State University Popular Courses
Mentioned below are some popular courses offered by the SDSU University.
- MS in Computer Science
- BS in Nursing
- MS in Big Data Analytics
- MA in Economics
- MBA Executive
San Diego State University Online Courses
The university offers a variety of online programs via the online SDSU platform. Students can also pursue these courses in the hybrid format. Some popular ones include -
- BS in Business Administration
- BA in Communication
- BS in Criminal Justice
- MPA Online
- MS in Computer Engineering
4.4(5)12 months - 3 years
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
14.2K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The San Diego State University has an application fee of USD 70 which is non-refundable and covers cost of processing and viewing of applications. The application fee differs from the other fees. Application fee might also vary depending on the intake and it is suggested that students must check official for more information depending on 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.
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.
San Diego State University Admission 2026
San Diego State Uni requires Indian students to submit a Cal State Apply application. The application is to be submitted to SDSU before the submission of any other documents. The San Diego State University Application Process is very competitive as applications arrive from more than 100 countries. Indian students would need to submit strong applications and as early as possible.
San Diego State University Application Deadline 2026
The university applications for the Spring and Fall intake for entry to its courses. Here are the upcoming SDSU application deadlines for Indian students.
| Application Type | Application Deadline - UG | Application Deadline - PG (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake |
|
Early Oct, 2026 |
| Spring Intake | - | End of Aug, 2026 |
SDSU California Eligibility for Indian Students
Apart from the course level entry requirements, students also need to meet the basic conditions for eligibility given in the table below to study at San Diego State Uni.
| Required | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents Required |
|
| English Test Scores Accepted |
|
| San Diego State University International Admissions Complete Guide | |
San Diego State University Admission Requirements for Indian Students interested in Master's Courses
- Individual University Marksheets for all levels of studies (Consolidated mark sheets will not be accepted)
- University-issued provisional or final degree certificates (Certificates issued by Affiliated colleges will not be accepted)
- Valid scores in either the GRE or GMAT exam (for some courses)
San Diego State University Entry Requirements for Indian Students interested in UG Courses
- Grade Reports or Transcripts for each year of study completed
- Exam Certificated issued by the State or Secondary Education board
- Valid score in either the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB
- Application fees :USD 55 - 70
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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 impossible for international student 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 UniversitySan Diego State University Scholarships
To make studies more affordable, Indian students have many financial aid options available to them at SDSU. The university offers them to students who have performed really well in their past studies. Here are some of the popular San Diego State University Scholarships for Indian students to consider -
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Benefits | Level of Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Graduate Equity Fellowship Program |
|
PG |
| Merit-based | Tuition Assistance for Out-of-State and Foreign Students |
|
UG or PG |
| External Scholarships for Indian Students in USA | |||
1 USD = INR 93.36
Who is eligible for scholarships at SDSU?
To be financial aid offered by the San Diego State Uni, students need to meet the conditions mentioned below.
- Meet entry requirements
- Maintain a strong academic score
- Prove English proficiency
- Submit a strong scholarship application
San Diego State University Popular Courses
18 monthsSan Diego State UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
6 Verified Reviews- 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
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San Diego State University Placements
Graduates of San Diego State University are hired by some of the best companies in the US. This includes Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Qualcomm. SDSU is one of the top 50 best value public colleges in the US, according to an unofficial source. The Career Services department also helps students become job-ready and find high-paying jobs as part of the SDSU Placements. Students are provided access to the Handshake portal and also career counselling services.
San Diego State University Placement Rate
SDSU Placement Rate is 92% within 6 months of graduation. Given below is a breakdown of the top industries that employ San Diego State University grads.
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Business Development | 12.3% |
| Operations | 9.3% |
| Education | 7.9% |
| Sales | 6.5% |
| Healthcare Services | 5.2% |
Source: Unofficial
ROI After Studies at SDSU
The average salary earned by SDSU graduates with 10+ years of experience is USD 127,700 (INR 1.19 Cr). Students with less than 5 years of experience tend to earn USD 71,400 (INR 66.58 Lakhs).
1 USD = INR 93.26
Top Recruiters
San Diego State University Cost for Indian Students
SDSU is much more affordable compared to other universities in the US. Tuition fees vary as per the program. The average SDSU Tuition Fees for Indian students planning to enroll in UG courses in the 2026-27 academic session is USD 14,130 (INR 13.18 Lakhs). PG students will have to pay on average USD 8,548 (INR 7.97 Lakhs). There are some other additional costs for which students need to keep a buffer budget of around USD 3,000-USD 4,000 (INR 2.8 Lakhs-INR 3.73 Lakhs).
Cost of Living for Indian Students in California
Given below is a breakdown of the living costs for Indian students in California.
| Expense Type | Annual Cost for UG Students | Annual Cost for PG Students |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tuition | USD 6,838 | USD 8,548 |
| Campus Fees | USD 2,942 | USD 2,942 |
| Non-resident tuition | USD 14,130 | - |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,014 | USD 1,014 |
| Food and Rent |
Food: USD 7,848 Housing: USD 14,008 |
Food: USD 7,848 Housing: USD 14,008 |
| Transportation | USD 1,216 | USD 1,216 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 2,566 | USD 2,566 |
| International Student Fee | USD 3,000 | - |
| Total Annual Cost | USD 53,562 (INR 49.97 Lakhs) | USD 38,142 (INR 35.6 Lakhs) |
1 USD = INR 93.31
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(34 courses) | INR 13 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 85, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE: 290 & Above, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | INR 17 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
B.E. / B.Tech(8 courses) | INR 19 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
BBA(10 courses) | INR 18 L - 20 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 - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
B.A.(29 courses) | INR 19 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
MPH(1 course) | INR 19 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 - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & 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 |
MPA(1 course) | INR 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
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 Uni has produced several top Hollywood actors, Media personalities, and athletes. American actress Sussana Thompson and American comic book writer J. Micheal Straczynski studied here. SDSU has a total alumni network of 500,000. Mentioned below are some other members of the San Diego State University Notable Alumni network.
| Name | Known For | Alumnus |
|---|---|---|
| Ellen Ochoa |
|
 |
| Gregory Peck |
|
 |
| J. Michael Straczynski |
|
|
| Joe Corona |
|
 |
College comparison
Compare San Diego State University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.22 L - 27.35 L | #1001 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 6.63 L - 18.17 L | #1677 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 13.61 L - 26.81 L | #208 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 12.13 L - 19.19 L | #139 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 12.18 L - 27.78 L | #127 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 14.49 L - 21.31 L | #257 US News, 2026 |
CompareSan Diego State UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
San Diego State University Frequently Asked Questions 2026
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 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.
San Diego State University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 7 months ago
The Washington State University and San Diego State University are some of the best universities for pursuing higher education in the USA. WSU was established in 1890 and is located in Pullman, Washington, USA. Whereas, San Diego State University was established in 1897 and is located in San Diego,
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 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 8 months ago
Yes, pursuing MBA from SDSU yields high returns as the tuition cost for MBA from San Diego State University is around INR 19L and the university's MBA placement rate is 92%, with an average base salary of INR 79L. The university's top recruiting companies for MBA graduates include Hitachi Data Syst
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
Yes, San Diego State University acceptance rate is 35.9%. For SDSU admissions, Indian students must meet all the entry levelrequirements at the university. Indian students must submit proof of English language requirements at the university.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
San Diego State University acceptance rate is 34%. For SDSU admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements at the university. Indian students must submit the proof of English language requirement at the university.
R
Contributor-Level 10
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San Diego State University
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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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