Florida State University vs San Diego State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Florida State University and San Diego State University come out about even on financial return. Florida State University scores 83/100 and San Diego State University scores 84/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida State University runs $11,297 a year against $15,364 at San Diego State University - $4,067 more a year, or about $16,268 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, San Diego State University graduates earn a median $64,909 against $61,675 at Florida State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.9 years at Florida State University and 6.7 years at San Diego State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave San Diego State University owing a median $15,000 versus $18,000 at Florida State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.36 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida State University | San Diego State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $5,656 | $8,728 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,786 | $21,328 |
| Net Price (avg) | $11,297 | $15,364 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $45,188 | $61,456 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,700 | $41,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $61,675 | $64,909 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.6% | 76.4% |
| Payback Period | 6.9 yr | 6.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $15,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $159 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.36 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 69.0% | 72.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.9% | 70.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 24.2% | 36.2% |
| Enrollment | 32,212 | 35,377 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida State Univer... | San Diego State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $5,938 | $9,910 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,963 | $10,017 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,496 | $12,697 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,991 | $15,891 |
| $110,001+ | $19,239 | $23,821 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida State Univer... | San Diego State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $78,811 | $120,799 |
| Computer Engineering | $114,802 | $116,842 |
| Electrical Engineering | $93,740 | $106,416 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,622 | $97,825 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,340 | $95,865 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $93,727 | $86,613 |
| Accounting | $91,056 | $80,011 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,089 | $88,136 |
| Marketing | $84,981 | $81,368 |
| Statistics | $77,605 | $83,076 |
| Real Estate | $80,900 | $50,662 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $77,320 | $69,902 |
| Chemistry | $66,724 | $74,676 |
| Economics | $73,527 | $74,123 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $73,888 | $54,569 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida State Univer... | San Diego State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 93 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 84 | 85 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 81 | 90 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 87 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 46 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 84 |
The Verdict
It's close. San Diego State University edges out Florida State University by 1 points (84 vs 83), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Florida State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
San Diego State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.