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San Diego State University

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University is the city's oldest higher education institution, having risen to become a premier public research university since its foundation in 1897. The vibrant metropolitan core, coastline and mountain access, magnificent weather, blue skies, and sandy beaches of San Diego provide students with a one-of-a-kind collegiate experience. Every year, SDSU welcomes over 36,000 students to take part in an academic programme that emphasises direct contact with instructors and an international focus that prepares them for a global future. The institution is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that promote intellectual growth and prepare students for success in a global community. There are 96 bachelor's, 80 master's, and 21 doctoral degree programmes available at the university. SDSU also has over 350 international education programmes in over 50 countries.

San Diego State University, now in its 123rd year, can look back on more than a century of accomplishments in education, research, and service. SDSU is ranked in the top ten for international students and ethnic diversity. Since 2005, the university has produced over 90 Fulbright student scholars. San Diego State University's reputation as a leader in higher education continues to grow. In U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of America's Best Colleges, it is ranked No. 68 among public colleges and No. 147 overall. On the 2019 U.S. News list of most innovative colleges, SDSU is ranked No. 45 in the country.

The institution is known for its academic brilliance and offers highly ranked graduate programmes in business, engineering, public health, clinical psychology, visual arts, biological sciences, public affairs, education, and speech-language pathology and audiology, among other fields. The physical expansions to SDSU's San Diego campus and its continuous commitment to providing a state-of-the-art learning environment for students, teachers, and staff are perhaps the most apparent indication of the university's growth. Academic buildings and complexes, the library, labs, and housing halls have all been reinvented and renovated at the university. A new Engineering and Multidisciplinary Sciences Complex comprises instructional sections and has enough space for interdisciplinary teams and SDSU's entrepreneurship centres to collaborate and work in labs.

San Diego State University Rankings

  • #501-600 Universities Rankings - ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2022
  • #1001-1200 World University Ranking - QS 2023
  • #601-800 University Ranking - THE (Times Higher Education) 2023
  • #151 National University Ranking - US News & World Report 2023
  • #593 Global Universities - US News & World Report 2023

San Diego State University Tuition Fees

Courses Duration Tuition Fees
MBA (3 Courses) 22 Month - 2 Year USD 20510 - USD 37036
Engineering (4 Courses) 1.5 Year - 4 Year USD 13062 - USD 17748
Science (6 Courses) 2 Year - 4 Year USD 10380 - USD 17898
Arts (3 Courses) 1.5 Year - 2 Year USD 13062 - USD 15666
Information Technology (IT) (1 Courses) 2 year USD 20510

San Diego State University Entry Requirements

Courses Exam
Arts GRE , IELTS , TOEFL
Engineering GRE , TOEFL , IELTS , SAT
Information Technology (IT) GRE , IELTS , TOEFL , GMAT
MBA GMAT , GRE , IELTS , TOEFL
Science GRE , IELTS , TOEFL , SAT

Admission Standards-Difficult

SAT 1110/1320
ACT 22/29
GPA 3.6

Applications Accepted-34.1% 

Applications Due Nov 30, 2020
Applicant Competition High
Application Fee $70

SDSU International Student Admission

San Diego State University accepts applications from overseas students in three categories: Freshman, Transfer, and Graduate. For the Fall Semester, the university's portal for international applicants starts on October 1 and closes on April 1. International students are not permitted to apply for spring admission. Over 3000 international students from over 115 countries are now enrolled at SDSU.

Application Portal – University’s official website

Application Fee - 70 USD

Academic Requirements-

  • The ability to communicate in English is a crucial deciding element in SDSU admissions. As a result, international students must take any of the English proficiency exams. 3.0 GPA or above in SDSU's English Language course.
  • Use code 4682 (SAT) or 0398 (ACT) to submit SAT or ACT scores on the SDSU site (ACT).
  • Prior to SDSU, a 2.0 or higher GPA is preferred.
  • A Baccalaureate degree from an approved institution or an equivalent educational programme determined by a graduate dean is required.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is a must.
  • Good academic performance in every university, he/she had been a part of.
  • Have attained good scores in exams such as GRE or GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE.

San Diego State University English Language Proficiency

Test Minimum Eligibility
TOEFL (IBT) 80
IELTS 6.5 bands
PTE 58

San Diego State University Highlights

Application Portal Online Portal
Application Fee 70 USD
Acceptance Rate 35%
Average SAT score 1283
Average ACT score 27.5
Mode of Payment Credit Card
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake Seasons Fall, Spring, and Winter
Financial Aid Grants, Loans, scholarships available

San Diego State University Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition-$5,742

Fee Cost
Books and Supplies $1,969
Other Fees $1,768
Room and Board $17,752
Budget for Other Expenses $3,291
Total One Year Cost $30,522

Out of State Resident Tuition- $17,622

Fee Cost
Books and Supplies $1,969
Other Fees $1,768
Room and Board $17,752
Budget for Other Expenses $3,291
Total One Year Cost $42,402

Know more about Studying in USA

Tuition Fees in USA (1st Year Average) BE/Btech: USD 28300 | MS: USD 22693 | BBA: USD 26616 | MBA: USD 29558 | BSc: USD 29418 | MA: USD 20452 | MIS: USD 22133 | MFin: USD 37683 | MEng: USD 29558 | MIM: USD 35301 | MEM: USD 23254 | MArch: USD 34741 | MFA: USD 28857 | BHM: USD 27176
Average Accomodation & Food Costs in USA USD 700 to 1000 Per Month
Entrance Exams in USA TOEFL: 86 | IELTS: 6.5 | PTE: 60 | GRE: 309 | GMAT: 560 | SAT: 1177
Work and Study in USA Permitted for 20 hours/week with a valid study permit. Know More
Post Study Work Permit in USA One to Two Years after graduation depending on the course.
Cost of Student Visa in USA USD 160
Student Visa in USA F1 Visa for USA allows you study permit in USA in full time academic courses. Any accredited school, college, university, academic institute, seminary, or conservatory in USA must accept you beforehand to apply for F1 visa in USA. Know More
Intakes in USA There are Three Intakes in USA: Fall (August-September), Spring (January) Know More
Top Job Sectors in USA Health Care, Education, Construction, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Services, Finance.
Economy in USA GDP Growth of 2.1% (Q4 2019), The Larges Economy of the World by Nominal

San Diego State University Average Tuition Fee Per Year

Undergraduate

$ 18,340

Postgraduate

$ 15,660

Costs per year

Overall cost of living

$ 17,277

Campus accommodation

$ 9,804

Please note that fees will vary. Always check the exact cost of the program and bear in mind likely additional expenses.