San Diego State University
San Diego, California · Public · 36.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 84/100 · Strong Value
San Diego State University scores 84 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale. SDSU is a large public research university in San Diego with 35,377 students. In-state tuition is $8,728 and net price is $15,364. Median 6-year earnings of $41,600 and a 6.7-year payback are strong for a California public. The completion rate of 76.4% is solid and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.361 is low, with median debt of $15,000. The repayment rate of 72.2% is the primary sub-score weakness. Pell rate of 31.7% indicates significant low-income enrollment. SDSU's program breadth is extensive: Nursing (195 grads, A, $100,221 yr1), Computer Engineering (122 grads, A, $76,812 yr1), Computer Science (206 grads, A, $74,523 yr1), Electrical Engineering (101 grads, A), Aerospace Engineering (111 grads, B+), Mechanical Engineering (259 grads, B+), Finance (B+ grade), and Business Administration (2,008 grads, B+, $46,275 yr1) are the strongest earners. The 36.2% admission rate is moderately selective for a CSU. SDSU benefits enormously from its San Diego location -- a major hub for defense, biotech, telecommunications, and tourism.
San Diego State University scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
San Diego State University
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $9,910 per year. Against $41,600 median 6-year earnings and a 6.7-year payback, the low-income case is strong. Low-income SDSU students in nursing, engineering, or CS achieve extraordinary returns relative to cost. The 76.4% completion rate reduces dropout risk. SDSU's Cal Grant and institutional aid make it accessible to California's low-income student population.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $12,697 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $15,891. At $15,891 for upper-middle-income, the financial case remains excellent for STEM and professional programs. SDSU's cost structure is one of the strongest value propositions in California higher education for families who do not qualify for maximum Cal Grant awards.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $23,821 per year. Over four years, roughly $95,000. Against $41,600 median 6-year earnings and a 6.7-year payback, the financial case at full cost is solid, particularly for engineering and nursing graduates. Out-of-state students pay $21,328 in tuition, making the financial equation different for non-California residents.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (195 graduates) earns $100,221 year one and $120,799 at year four, with an A grade (debt-to-earnings 0.188, median debt $18,875). Year-one earnings of $100k are exceptional for a bachelor's nursing program. San Diego's large hospital systems and military healthcare infrastructure drive these wages. The debt ratio of 0.188 on $18,875 median debt is among the most favorable in the dataset for a nursing program.
Computer Science
Computer Science (206 graduates) earns $74,523 year one and $100,586 at year four, with an A grade (debt-to-earnings 0.221, median debt $16,499). Strong outcomes reflecting San Diego's defense technology, telecommunications, and software sectors. The four-year trajectory to $101k is consistent with senior software and systems engineering roles. The debt ratio at a $15,364 net price is excellent.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (2,008 graduates -- the largest program by graduate count) earns $46,275 year one and $69,902 at year four, with a B+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.324, median debt $15,000). Year-one earnings of $46k are moderate for business, reflecting the broad range of roles this large cohort enters. The four-year progression to $70k is solid. SDSU's Fowler College of Business provides the San Diego regional business network.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (259 graduates) earns $69,754 year one and $97,825 at year four, with a B+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.287, median debt $19,994). Strong outcomes reflecting San Diego's aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors. The four-year trajectory to $98k reflects advancement into senior engineering roles. Year-one earnings of $70k are competitive for a CSU mechanical engineering graduate nationally.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice (415 graduates) earns $33,261 year one and $57,510 at year four, with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.391, median debt $12,998). Despite modest year-one earnings, the debt ratio of 0.391 is manageable given very low median debt of $13,000. Criminal justice graduates at SDSU enter San Diego's large law enforcement, corrections, and federal agency employment base. The four-year progression to $58k reflects public sector advancement.
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 |
At 36.2%, SDSU is selective for a California state university. Scorecard does not report test score ranges. SDSU's selectivity relative to other CSUs means it draws a stronger-than-average academic profile within the CSU system. Competitive programs (nursing, engineering, CS) have additional capacity constraints and higher internal admissions standards. Students targeting these programs should apply with strong preparation in relevant prerequisite subjects.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Cal Poly SLO, Clemson University, and University of Georgia. SDSU's ROI of 84 is below Cal Poly SLO's 96 but reflects SDSU's broader program mix including more liberal arts programs with lower earnings. Among large public universities in coastal markets, SDSU's 76.4% completion, $15,364 net price, and San Diego employment market make it a strong value. The combination of engineering programs, nursing, and business at California public tuition prices is a compelling proposition that the Scorecard captures well.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants -- the most selective CSU campus after Cal Poly SLO by most measures. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT ranges. Enrollment of 35,377 is large. Pell grant rate of 31.7% indicates substantial low-income enrollment relative to the CSU system. SDSU attracts students throughout California and from out-of-state drawn by San Diego's climate and employment market. Students in engineering, nursing, business, and health sciences have clear professional pipeline advantages. The San Diego defense and biotech industries provide dense hiring opportunities for STEM graduates.
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.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
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.