Government-Verified Education Data

San Diego State University

Q: How much does San Diego State University cost?

In-state tuition is $8,290 and out-of-state tuition is $20,170 per year.

Q: What do San Diego State University graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $52,620 and 10 years after is $64,909.

Q: What percentage of students at San Diego State University take federal loans?

23.1% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University has a total enrollment of 33,654 students (public institution). That is about 22× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at San Diego State University?

Out-of-state tuition at San Diego State University is $20,170 per year, compared with $8,290 for in-state students — a difference of $11,880. That is 24% below the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: How do San Diego State University graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry — 20% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 74% of ranked U.S. colleges.

San Diego, California · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$52,620

Acceptance Rate

34%

Graduation Rate

78%

Annual Tuition

$8,290

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry — 20% above the national median. Acceptance rate 34.4%, in-state tuition $8,290.

At a Glance

Total Students

33,654

Retention Rate

90%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

23%

Median Debt

$15,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

San Diego State University is a public institution with a student body of 33,654. The university has a moderately selective admissions process, accepting 34.4% of applicants. The university retains 90.3% of its students and boasts a graduation rate of 78.1%. The in-state tuition is $8,290.

Graduates of San Diego State University report strong earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $42,235. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $52,620, and ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $64,909. The median debt for graduates is $15,000, and 23.1% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$42k

1 YEAR

$53k

5 YEARS

$65k

10 YEARS

Top 26% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, San Diego State University alumni earn $42,235. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $52,620, and after ten years, earnings reach $64,909. The median debt for graduates is $15,000.

San Diego State University has a high retention rate of 90.3% and a graduation rate of 78.1%. The university has an acceptance rate of 34.4% and a student population of 33,654. Approximately 23.1% of students receive financial aid.