San Diego State University
San Diego, California · Public · 36.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 84/100 · Strong Value
San Diego State University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,728/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,328/yr |
| Average net price | $15,364/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $61,456 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,909 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $159 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 76.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 35,377 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,910 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,017 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,697 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,891 |
| $110,001+ | $23,821 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at San Diego State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,902 | B+ |
| Psychology | $51,021 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,510 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $59,914 | C |
| Biology | $68,861 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,389 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,825 | B+ |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,416 | B |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,072 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,419 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at San Diego State University is $8,728/year ($21,328/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,364/year, or roughly $61,456 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,910/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,821/year.
The median graduate leaves with $15,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $159 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $64,909 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.36 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 70.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 36.2% |
| Enrollment | 35,377 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,042 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University (this school) | 84 | $15,364 | $64,909 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| University of Georgia | 88 | $13,936 | $68,726 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 87 | $17,303 | $68,758 |
| Clemson University | 86 | $22,253 | $71,513 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
San Diego State University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $15,364 per year ($61,456 over four years), graduates earn a median of $64,909 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.7 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 76.4% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $15,000 is very manageable against $64,909 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.