San Diego, California · ★ 3.7 / 5 Overall (3 Student Reviews)
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Public · 4-year · Doctoral
San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States, founded in 1897. It is the third-oldest university in the 23-campus California State University system and offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through eight colleges. The university is classified as an R1 doctoral institution for very high research activity and its athletic teams compete as the San Diego State Aztecs in NCAA Division I, primarily in the Pac-12 Conference.
Value rank
Ranked #86 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck. Source: WM Best Value ↗
National rank
Ranked #87 in Forbes Top Colleges (2026). Source: Forbes ↗
National Universities
Ranked #117 in National Universities (2026). Source: US News ↗
National rank
Unfiltered student reviews about the real
experience at this University
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5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California, 92182-0001
Visit University SiteRanked #149 in the US by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR US ↗
National rank
Ranked #156 in the US by Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE US ↗
World rank
Ranked #644 globally by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR World ↗
World rank
Ranked #1001 globally in Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE World ↗
Total: 39,241
Undergrad: 34,050
Undergrad full-time: 30,228
Graduate: 5,191
Part-time: 5,865
In-state
Tuition: $8,290
Total cost on campus: $34,072
Out-of-state
Tuition: $20,170
Total cost on campus: $45,952
Room & board: $21,630
Books & supplies: $908
Receive aid: 95%
Avg grant aid: $5,459
Pell grant recipients: 24%
Rent: $1,518 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $6.50
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $6.37 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $11.24
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.