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CAMPUS LIFE
Quality of Life Rating 90
Fire Safety Rating 95
Green Rating 90
Type of school Public
Environment Metropolis
STUDENTS
Total undergrad enrollment 31,086
% male/female 44/56
% from out of state 11
% frosh from public high school 91
% frosh live on campus 38
% ugrads live on campus 8
# of fraternities (% ugrad men join) 22 (7)
# of sororities (% ugrad women join) 21 (12)
% Black or African American 4
% Asian 13
% White 34
% Hispanic 34
% Native American <1
% Pacific Islander <1
% Two or more races 7
% Race and/or ethnicity unknown 3
% international 5
# of countries represented 106
SURVEY SAYS . . .
Students are happy
Students love San Diego, CA
Recreation facilities are great
Frats and sororities are popular
ACADEMICS
Academic Rating 78
% students returning for sophomore year 89
% students graduating within 4 years 48
% students graduating within 6 years 78
Calendar Semester
Student/faculty ratio 25:1
Profs interesting rating 85
Profs accessible rating 90
Most classes have 20–29 students.
Most lab/discussion sessions
have 20–29 students.
MOST POPULAR MAJORS
Business Administration and Management;
Psychology; Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical
Education/Fitness
sAn diego stAte University
5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7455 • Admissions: 619-594-6336
STUDENTS SAY “. . .”
Academics
Students lucky enough to attend San Diego State University receive a “quality, affordable edu-
cation,” all while they soak up that brilliant “San Diego sun!” And with a “wide array [of]
majors and minors” along with a good deal of “flexibility in course choices,” it’s understandable
why individuals are drawn to this institution. Speaking of majors (and minors), undergrads at
SDSU rush to underscore a handful of really stellar academic departments. For starters, the
“science programs have vigorous requirements that [truly] prepare you for grad school or
medical school.” Additionally, the “music program strives to create the best educators and per-
formers.” The nursing school is also “amazing” and really works to “accommodate…each
individual.” And the international business program is considered “one of the top…in the
nation.”
When it comes to professors, while there’s the occasional bad or “boring” apple, the vast major-
ity at SDSU are “dedicated and eager to teach.” Moreover, they typically approach their time
in the classroom with “enthusiasm” and manage to “bring life to every lecture.” Indeed, they
“make learning the material easy and fun.” It’s also quite apparent that they “care about their
students,” taking the time to “check in with them” and making themselves “accessible outside
of the classroom.” And, as a grateful religious studies major explains, they often “inspire [you]
to become a more intellectual person and involved student.”
Life
Simply put, life at San Diego State is “wonderful.” And, no matter whether you opt to partici-
pate in “Greek life, a student organization, or a sport, everyone [finds] something to do.”
Additionally, SDSU’s Associated Students is great about sponsoring a number of “fun” events
such as Aztec Nights, which in past years have included “Distress Fest, Haunted Montezuma
and the Polar Plunge.” A thrilled speech pathology major rushes to brag, “Every Thursday, there
is a farmer’s market on campus where students can enjoy a wide array of international cuisines
prepared by local restaurants. SDSU also has “amazing athletics” and undergrads love “attend-
ing football [games], basketball [games] and other sporting events.” Of course, given that San
Diego has “[beautiful] weather year round,” you won’t catch SDSU students…spend[ing]
much time indoors.” It’s quite common to see students riding “bikes or skateboards across
campus.” And a business administration major pipes in, “The beach is a huge draw for people
whether you like surfing, paddle boarding, or just swimming.” Additionally, the “campus is
located 10 minutes from Fashion Valley or Balboa Park, and there are tons of good restaurants
around. It is also very close to the Mexican border for easy day trips.”
Student Body
San Diego State is comprised of a “diverse community of students who are as laid-back as they
are hard-working.” Indeed, the university does a great job of attracting undergrads “from all
over the world and all walks of life.” Students happily report that their peers are both “social”
and “academically driven.” Even better, “they are supportive and seem to always be open to help
others who are struggling.” Undergrads also appreciate that there are “endless opportunities to
meet new people because the campus is swarming with students.” And, for the most part, San
Diego undergrads are “very accepting of one another and open minded.” Of course, all of this
goodwill can partially be attributed to the lovely surroundings. As one business students sums
up, “It’s hard not to be happy when living in beautiful San Diego.”
THE BEST 387 COLLEGES n 507
SELECTIVITY
Admissions Rating 91
# of applicants 64,784
% of applicants accepted 37
% of acceptees attending 20
# offered a place on the wait list 5,012
% accepting a place on wait list 42
% admitted from wait list 38
FIRST-YEAR PROFILE
Range SAT Composite 1110–1290
Range SAT EBRW 550–640
Range SAT Math 540–660
Range ACT Composite 22–29
# submitting SAT scores 4,132
% submitting SAT scores 85
# submitting ACT scores 1,759
% submitting ACT scores 36
Fall 2022 testing policy Test Blind
Average HS GPA 3.8
% graduated top 10% of class 33
% graduated top 25% of class 72
% graduated top 50% of class 95
DEADLINES
Regular
Deadline 11/30
Notification 3/1
Nonfall registration? No
FINANCIAL FACTS
Financial Aid Rating 81
Annual in-state tuition $5,742
Annual out-of-state tuition $17,622
Room and board $19,330
Required fees $2,394
Books and supplies $1,091
Average frosh need-based scholarship $11,810
Average UG need-based scholarship $11,660
% needy frosh rec. need-based
scholarship or grant aid 59
% needy UG rec. need-based
scholarship or grant aid 66
% needy frosh rec. non-need-based
scholarship or grant aid 47
% needy UG rec. non-need-based
scholarship or grant aid 38
% needy frosh rec. need-based self-help aid 90
% needy UG rec. need-based self-help aid 88
% frosh rec. any financial aid 55
% UG rec. any financial aid 61
% UG borrow to pay for school 40
Average cumulative indebtedness $20,300
% frosh need fully met 8
% ugrads need fully met 12
Average % of frosh need met 67
Average % of ugrad need met 65
sAn diego stAte University
Financial Aid: 619-594-6323 • Website: www.sdsu.edu
THE PRINCETON REVIEW SAYS
Admissions
The school reports that its standardized testing policy for use in admission for Fall 2022
is Test Blind. It is unknown at this time if the 2022 testing policy will be permanent. The
Princeton Review suggests that interested applicants consult with the school for the most
up-to-date standardized testing policies. Very important factors considered include: rigor of
secondary school record, academic GPA. Important factors considered include: geographical
residence. Other factors considered include: recommendation(s), extracurricular activities.
High school diploma is required and GED is accepted. Academic units required: 4 English,
3 math, 3 science, 2 science labs, 2 foreign language, 1 social studies, 1 history, 1 visual/
performing arts, 1 unit from above areas or other academic areas. Academic units recom-
mended: 4 math, 3 science labs.
Financial Aid
Students should submit: FAFSA; State aid form. Priority filing deadline is 4/1. The Princeton
Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after October
1. Need-based scholarships/grants offered: College/university scholarship or grant aid from
institutional funds; Federal Pell; Private scholarships; SEOG; State scholarships/grants.
Loan aid offered: Direct PLUS loans; Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans; Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford Loans. Applicants will be notified of awards on a rolling basis beginning 3/15.
Federal Work-Study Program available. Institutional employment available.
The Inside Word
The admissions process at San Diego State is very by the book. Similar to other universities
within the California State system San Diego relies on the eligibility index as the crux of their
decision making. Hence, your GPA will be critical. Moreover, the application is major specific;
candidates will be ranked against all other individuals applying to that particular major. You
will not be able to change your major during this process (though, aside from nursing, you will
once you arrive on campus). Finally, all music, dance, and/or theater candidates will have to
audition as well.
THE SCHOOL SAYS “. . .”
From the Admissions Office
“Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a major public research institution that
provides transformative experiences for its more than 36,000 students. SDSU ranks as the
number 1 California State University in federal research support, is a long-standing
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and resides on Kumeyaay land.
“The university is known for offering transformational research, international experiences,
sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad
range of student life and leadership opportunities. SDSU is committed to excellence and
known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion.
“SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and
support of LGBTQA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program.
Recognized as a national leader in higher education, students have access to more than 400
student clubs and organizations and an inclusive environment with a diverse range of
programs and offerings.
“About 54% of SDSU’s undergraduates and graduates are students of color. The univer-
sity’s rich campus life and ideal location offers opportunities for students to lead and
engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with
SDSU’s more than 400,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San
Diego and U.S.-Mexico region.”
