San Diego State University (SDSU) was founded in 1897 and is located in San Diego, in southern California. It is one of the 23 universities in the California State University system and is also the oldest university in the San Diego area. Ranked among the top 80 public universities in the United States, SDSU offers nearly 160 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as nearly 100 graduate degrees, providing academic opportunities to more than 35,000 students each year. San Diego State University combines the strengths of both a teaching and a research university and is renowned for its rigorous academic traditions. Customize Your Own American University Diploma
Leading Academic Reputation Nationwide
Founded in 1897, SDSU is one of the oldest public research universities in the United States. It ranked 117th in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities rankings and was named the 9th best public university in California. With rigorous academic standards and a low acceptance rate of just 36%, SDSU is widely recognized for its exceptional teaching quality and graduate outcomes.
World-Class Flagship Programs
SDSU’s flagship programs enjoy a prestigious reputation across the U.S. and globally. The Fowler College of Business holds AACSB international accreditation and ranks 41st among public universities for undergraduate business programs, 8th for undergraduate international business, and 14th for entrepreneurship. Notably, the undergraduate international business program ranks 9th in the U.S., making it a true standout program. The College of Engineering, along with the School of Public Affairs and the School of Health and Human Services, forms the four “flagship schools” with the strongest employment outcomes, with 85% of programs directly aligned with California’s key industries.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Freshman | Transfer Student | Graduate | Business Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,344 | $18,344 | $15,146 | $19,718 |
| Living Expenses | $19,270 | $16,534 | $18,202 | $18,202 |
| Insurance | $1,354 | $1,354 | $1,354 | $1,354 |
| Total | $38,968 | $36,232 | $34,702 | $39,274 |
Excellent Career Prospects
SDSU graduates demonstrate exceptionally strong employment outcomes. The employment rate for undergraduate graduates reaches 88% within six months, while the rate for graduate students is 94%; programs such as engineering, business, and nursing have employment rates exceeding 90%. Mid-career graduates earn an average annual salary of $127,700, with a 20-year net return on investment reaching $540,000. Graduates are highly sought after by global leaders such as Google, Apple, Qualcomm, and Amazon, and the alumni network exceeds 500,000 members.
Flexible Admission Requirements
International undergraduate applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80, with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher. Tuition for out-of-state undergraduates is approximately $22,500 per year, offering exceptional value among California’s top public universities. Over 50% of incoming freshmen receive need-based financial aid, resulting in an average net tuition of just $12,721 per year.
