San Diego State University
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San Diego State University: Rankings, Fees, Programs, Placements

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  • Institute Icon283 acre campus
  • Estd. 1897
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 27 Aug '24, by Tasneem Hoda (Study Abroad Expert)

SDSU
What’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

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1897
Also known as
SDSU
University website
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Student website
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Campus size
283 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 353 million
Scholarships granted
19108
Scholarship amount granted
USD 155 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
1029
Faculty/Student ratio
25
Total criminal offences
1062
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

47%

Hispanic

34%

Asian

13%

Black

3%

UG Student residence

In state

76%

Out of state

21%

Foreign

1%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

88%

25 and over

11%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

77250
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.78
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

32194
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

5208
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is SDSU hard to get into?

A: 

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. 

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for San Diego State University?

A: 

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.)

Q:   Will I get into San Diego State University with a GRE score of 302 for an MS in CS?

A: 

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. 

Q:   What are the requirements to get into SDSU?

A: 

Below are the requirements for UG and PG for San Diego State University:

  UG requirements: 

  1. 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. 

  2. However, if the applicant doesn’t submit the documents and transcripts in English, they must submit a certified literal English translation of each document. 

  3. Applicants muts submit Grade reports/ transcripts for each year of study completed, i.e. 9-12th grade or 12th grade.

  4. 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: 

  1. Applicants must submit university mark sheets from all the studies i.e. if the applicant has completed their Bachelor’s or master's. 

  2. Applicants must also submit provisional or final degree certificates for all studies.  

Q:   What are the requirements for the San Diego State University MBA course?

A: 

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.

San Diego State University Scholarships 2024

View all 169 scholarshipsRight Arrow Icon

San Diego State University Admissions 2024

  • Application fees :USD 55 - 70
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Sign-up to view details
Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall1ˢᵗ Feb 2025
Spring31ˢᵗ Aug 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What is the application deadline for San Diego State University?

A: 

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 CourseDeadline/Date 
Undergraduate Apr 1, 2025 (tentative)
Graduate Nov 30, 2024

Q:   What is the application process at San Diego State University?

A: 

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. 

Q:   I was accepted at both San Diego State and UCSD. Where should I go?

A: 

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

UCSD20 25% (fall 2023)

UG: INR 36 L - 37 L

PG: INR 47 L

San Diego State University1001-120037%

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)

 

Q:   How difficult is it for out-of-state students to get into San Diego State University (SDSU)?

A: 

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

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(30 courses)
INR 6 L - 19 L
Duration1 year-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 85
B.E. / B.Tech(8 courses)
INR 17 L - 18 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
BBA(10 courses)
INR 17 L - 18 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
MBA/PGDM(6 courses)
INR 15 L - 25 L
Duration12-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
MIM(4 courses)
INR 15 L - 25 L
Duration12-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
MEng(1 course)
INR 14 L
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
B.Arch(1 course)
INR 17 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above
B.Sc.(15 courses)
INR 11 L - 18 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
M.A.(17 courses)
INR 11 L - 18 L
Duration18 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.A.(29 courses)
INR 17 L - 18 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   What are the tuition fees at San Diego State University for Indian Students?

A: 

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.

Q:   What is the application fee for MBA program at San Diego State University?

A: 

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.

Q:   What are the English Requirements for San Diego State University?

A: 

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

Q:   How long does it take to get a response from SDSU?

A: 

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.

Q:   What is the application fee for San Diego State University?

A: 

The 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.

SDSU
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.3/5
Verified Icon6 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Friendly
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Fun loving
  • Academically oriented
Student Views
  • 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.8
Part time work4.7
Post study jobs4.3
Quality of faculty4.7
Student Life4.8
Value for money4.8
Public transportation4.3
Safety4.3
Indian Food4.2
Permanent Immigration3.5
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MS in Big Data Analytics - Batch of 2024
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
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MS Information Systems - Batch of 2024
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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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MS/MA in Geography - Batch of 2026
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
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P
Prashanth Kattela Chandrashekar Verified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
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
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Chiranjivi Aulakh Verified Icon
MS in Medical Physics - Batch of 2024
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
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V
Vaibhav Joshi Verified Icon
MS Information Systems - Batch of 2024
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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San Diego State University Placements

Top Recruiters

KPMG
Sharp B Systems
pwc
Qualcomm
Microsoft
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San Diego State University Rankings 2024

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Is Howard University better than San Diego State University?

A: 

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 UniversitySan 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%

SDSU
College comparison

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Compare SDSU with other similar colleges

MS
B.E. / B.Tech
BBA
MBA/PGDM
MIM
MEng
B.Arch
B.Sc.
M.A.
B.A.
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

SDSU

INR 6.01 L - 18.78 LB++#1001 QS, 2025
INR 11.05 L - 13.63 LB#1201 QS, 2025

Cal State Fullerton

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INR 11.05 L - 17.49 LC++#133 US News, 2024

San Jose State University

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 6.05 L - 16.56 LC#1624 US News, 2024

CSU Northridge

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INR 10.4 L - 13.39 LC#1522 US News, 2024

UC Riverside

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 23.06 L - 25.3 LA#497 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

SDSU
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
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963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
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Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
December
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-26
New York07
Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
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San Diego State University Notable Alumni

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SDSU 
FAQs

Q:   What is your review of San Diego State University

A: 

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.

Q:   How much does San Diego State University cost for international students?

A: 

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

qna

SDSU

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

San Diego State Uni is a competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 34%. This figure tells us that only 34 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must not get discouraged and ful

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

In order to secure admission, all overseas applicants must fulfill certain San Diego State Uni admission requirements listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Usually, the San Diego State University acceptance rate is around 34%. In Fall 2023, San Diego State received over 83,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these, about 28,000 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence, it can be concluded that

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

San Jose State University acceptance rate stands at 79%, which makes it a moderately selective university to get into. In comparison with the San Diego State University acceptance rate of 39%, SJSU can be considered less selective in its admission criteria.

Nonetheless, getting into San Jose State Un

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

San Diego State University is a competitive university to get into and thus, students must submit excellent academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong le

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Tasneem Hoda

Study Abroad Expert

Tasneem Hoda is a Content Creator and Writer working for Shiksha.com. Her role includes developing and maintaining web pages for international universities at the Shiksha Study Abroad Portal, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with instit...Read Full Bio
SDSU Others(1)Front View
SDSU Others(2)Campus
SDSU Others(3)Building
SDSU Others(1)
SDSU Others(2)

SDSU
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CitySan Diego, California, USA
Size of cityLarge
Population of City14,19,516

SDSU
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
San Diego State University CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA

Visit official site External Link Icon

SDSU
Contact Information

Address

5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
San Diego ( California)

Go to College Website ->