collageSan Diego State University (SDSU) is a highly competitive school that receives applications from thousands of highly qualified applicants each year. With a selective acceptance rate, it is important to choose a major that aligns with your academic background and interests to increase your chances of being admitted.
When applying to transfer to SDSU, applicants must select a major that they are interested in pursuing. Admissions decisions are based on the individual’s preparation for the intended major, including academic achievements, coursework, and extracurricular activities related to the chosen field of study. Each major may have specific requirements or prerequisites that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission.
To be considered for admission to SDSU, California residents and graduates of California high schools must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, while non-California residents and graduates of non-California high schools must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, while there is no specific SAT requirement for admission, a competitive SAT score of at least 1130 is recommended to improve your chances of being accepted to the university. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly research the admission requirements for their intended major and to present a strong academic profile to increase their chances of being admitted to SDSU.
| SDSU Acceptance Rate by Major | |
|---|---|
| Most Accepted Major at SDSU | Business Administration and Management, General |
| Popular Majors at SDSU |
|
| Acceptance Criteria | Applicants are admitted based on preparation for the intended major |
| Admission Rate at SDSU | 39 out of 100 applicants are admitted, making it a highly selective school |
| GPA Requirement |
|
| SAT Score Requirement | At least 1130 SAT score is recommended for consideration |
San Diego State University
San Diego State is a highly rated public university located in San Diego, California. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 27,453 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the San Diego State acceptance rate is 34%. Popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. Graduating 73% of students, San Diego State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $37,700.
San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School. The school was renamed San Diego State College in 1921 and gained university status five years later. SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 200 areas of study and master’s degrees in over 120. Some popular majors include business administration, psychology, liberal arts and humanities.
San Diego State University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
- Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America9 of 358
- Best Greek Life Colleges in America18 of 817
- Top Party Schools in America19 of 1,587
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SDSU Admissions
So you want to go to San Diego State University? We think that’s a great idea! Here’s everything you need to know about applying.
The good news: San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 34%. That means more than 66% of applicants were accepted, so it’s not too hard to get in.
The bad news: The deadline for application submissions is December 4. If that date has already passed, don’t worry—you can still apply late, but be aware that the school only accepts applications during a certain period each year. You’ll have to contact them directly for more information on the exact dates and deadlines.
You should also know that the school requires SAT scores between 1110-1320 or ACT scores between 22-29, though they aren’t strictly required. And while they do consider both SAT and ACT scores in their admissions process, they’re not required either.
The application fee is $70—not too costly! But keep in mind that if you don’t submit all parts of your application by the deadline or if you don’t include all requested materials (which could include letters of recommendation or transcripts), then your application won’t be considered at all
Students also applied to …
- grade unavailable: Loma Linda University
- grade B minus: San Francisco State University
- grade B: California State University – San Marcos
Will You Get Into SDSU?
Test Scores and High School GPA for San Diego State University
sDSU acceptance rate by major
For the incoming Class of 2026, San Diego State University received a record 76,000+ total first-year undergraduate applications. Including transfer students that figure eclipsed 99,000. Applicants to this member of the California State University system campus that was once primarily the target of local residents, hailed from all 50 states and 74 countries during the 2021-22 cycle. This is a testament to how much SDSU has become a coveted postsecondary home and a selective university with just a 38% acceptance rate.
To help prepare aspiring Aztecs for the challenging process ahead, we will touch on the following topics:
- San Diego State University’s Class of 2025 acceptance rate
- Admissions statistics of accepted SDSU applicants
- Admissions trends from the Class of 2025
- The demographics of current San Diego State University undergraduates
- San Diego State University’s yield rate
- How SDSU’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
- Tips for applying to SDSU
- How to assess whether applying to San Diego State University is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)
SDSU: Overall Acceptance Rate – Class of 2025
The university received 67,602 freshman applications for a place in the Class of 2025; they admitted 25,610 for an acceptance rate of 38%. This was comparable to the 37% admit rate for the Class of 2024. Admission is traditionally much easier for out-of-state applicants than locals. For the Class of 2024, the out-of-state acceptance rate was 82% compared to just 33% for CA residents.
San Diego State University Admissions Statistics
Those who enrolled in SDSU for the start of the 2021-22 school year sported an average GPA of 3.82. One-third possessed a GPA of 4.0 or better and 65% possessed a 3.75 or higher. Twenty-four percent placed in the top decile of their high school class; 61% were in the top quartile, and 91% were in the top half. While SATs are no longer considered as part of the admissions equation, last year’s class earned mid-50% scores of 1130-1320.
Admissions Trends & Notes – (Class of 2025)
- In May of 2022, the entire CSU system voted to remove SATs and ACTs from admissions consideration.
- 22% of the Class of 2025 were first-generation students
- 40% of the most recent freshman class were members of an underrepresented minority group.
- Freshman enrollment jumped from 4,798 in fall 2020 to 5,236 in fall 2021.
- The acceptance rate for transfer students was under 30% last cycle, lower than the admit rate for first-year applicants.
sdsu acceptance rate 2021
SDSU has about thirty six thousand students enrolled yearly. Many of the students admitted to this school had an SAT score within the range of 1110 – 1320, or got accepted with an ACT score within the range of 22 – 29.
…
Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2021 Projection.
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 32.1 |
why is sDSU acceptance rate so low
Montezuma Mesa is in the midst of a drastic change. San Diego State is overhauling its reputation as a perpetual spring break school, a mere mainstay on the Playboy Magazine party radar and a basketball-crazed campus. SDSU is challenging many Ivy League schools with a paltry acceptance rate near 10 percent, and the academic standing of its incoming students only continues to bloom. Being an Aztec has a new meaning in the eyes of the public and every student — whether past, present or future — stands to benefit.
Last fall, SDSU received nearly 60,000 undergraduate applications for the fall semester. Counting both transfers and incoming freshman, only 6,174 undergraduate students were admitted, which puts the acceptance rate at just more than 10 percent. Moreover, the GPA and SAT scores for the incoming class, 3.78 and 1148 respectively, are the highest in SDSU history. The class starting in Fall 2009 had an average incoming GPA of 3.47, and an SAT score of 1039.
Scores are continuing to increase, which is inevitably making admission into SDSU a more highly valued achievement. This upward trend is a direct consequence of receiving more and more applications for fewer available spots, which only bolsters the competition. The result? A radical improvement among SDSU’s future pools of applicants.
There’s a stark reality with these statistics. Ivy League schools such as Cornell, Dartmouth and the University of Pennsylvania all reported higher acceptance rates than SDSU last year. Even notable public universities had higher acceptance rates than SDSU — University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (29.9 percent), UT-Austin (45.9 percent), the University of Wisconsin-Madison (54.62 percent) and the University of Iowa (78 percent).
Acceptance rates alone do not measure the prestige of a university, but they are indicative of the type of students who are seeking an education there. This plays directly into the public’s perception of the value a degree from a particular university.
These acceptance statistics are directly related to larger systemic factors. Prevailing economic conditions, the cost of pursuing higher education, budget cuts, overall increases in educational scores and the number of applicants for these schools are all elements of the bigger picture.
At SDSU specifically, the incoming student body is much different than in recent history. The quality of education among incoming students is clearly improving. This fact alone will inevitably result in an improvement of the educational value of a degree from SDSU, which thereby enhances the value of every Aztec’s education.
SDSU President Stephen L. Weber has watched this perception change, and said, “I think this is a great university and I don’t think it was perceived to be as good as it is, and in recent years, thanks to a lot of people working very hard, we’ve begun to get the recognition it deserves and that is very gratifying.”
Many of these admissions limitations are a result of California’s budgetary cuts to the California StateUniversity system, which will likely slash an additional $500 million this year.
There may, however, be a small silver lining in the massive budget cuts: Heightened competition means only the most deserving students, as decided by an established admissions criterion, will be admitted to pursue a degree. Then, as these graduates impact the post-college world, they will reinforce this overriding perception of what it means to be an Aztec. A mutual dependence exists — the education validates the student, and the student reflects the educational offering of the school. As the quality of incoming students improves, naturally these other values do as well.
SDSU has long been perceived as a party haven, a perception supported by drug busts, “undie” runs and a hungover student body after weekends of ceaseless parties. But change is happening. As the incoming classes improve, so does SDSU as a whole. In last year’s All-University Convocation Weber said, “The reputation of and respect for San Diego State has grown.”
Aztecs, the days of the lazy SDSU student are dead. With the budget crisis and the evolving admissions standards of this university, we have inherited the responsibility to meet heightened expectations. Each incoming class adds prestige to our degrees, but we must take it upon ourselves to improve the worth of our diplomas from within. It’s time to trash old habits and make being an Aztec something to take pride in.
Cost
Net Price$14,499 / yearNational$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college. Average Total Aid Awarded$8,507 / yearNational$7,535Students Receiving Financial Aid60%Find Private Student Loans Explore Tuition & Cost Breakdown
easiest majors to get into sDSU
Academics
Professors grade B minus Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.Student Faculty Ratio27:1Evening Degree ProgramsYes74%of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes. 292 responses38%of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want. 353 responses50%of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.
what major is sDSU known for
The most popular majors at San Diego State University include: Business Administration and Management, General; Psychology, General; Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General; Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other; Mechanical Engineering; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Economics etc.
Here are 10 of the most popular majors at SDSU!
- Business Administration and Management. What is Business Administration and Management?
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
- Biology/Biological Sciences.
- Public Administration.
- Economics.
Majors
Most Popular Majors
- Business1,521 Graduates
- Psychology559 Graduates
- Liberal Arts and Humanities424 Graduates
Students
Full-Time Enrollment27,453 UndergradsPart-Time Undergrads3,133Undergrads Over 2510%Pell Grant25%Varsity Athletes2%POLLWhat one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?Based on 233 responsesReport
- Fun but studious -40%
- Good mix of fun and studious30%
- Fun 9 %
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus No data available —Take a Virtual TourPOLL52%of students say that Greek life is pretty big. 413 responsesPOLL70%of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life. 454 responses POLL What one word or phrase best describes your school?
- Difficult yet fun28%
- Work hard, play hard27%
- Very balanced14%
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation$51,000 / yearNational$33,028Graduation Rate73%National49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation92%National83%81%of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.
Similar Colleges
Colleges like San Diego State University
- grade unavailable Loma Linda University
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- Rating 3.89 out of 5 405 reviews
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San Diego State University Reviews
Rating 3.73 out of 5 5,025 reviews
- Rating 5 out of 5 Excellent1046 reviews (21%)
- Rating 4 out of 5 Very Good2001 reviews (40%)
- Rating 3 out of 5 Average1626 reviews (32%)
- Rating 2 out of 5 Poor257 reviews (5%)
- Rating 1 out of 5 Terrible95 reviews (2%)
Selecting a category below will take you to another pageAll CategoriesAll CategoriesAcademicsCampusFoodHealth & SafetyHousingOnline LearningOverall ExperienceParty SceneStudent LifeValueRating 3 out of 5 I have a few important insights to offer! Firstly, your experience will be largely what you make of it! If you do not actively seek out opportunities to get involved and find pockets of community within the massive student body, it will definitely be underwhelming. Finding meaningful experiences with a long-lasting positive impact on your life is critical.
Secondly, know that the administration primarily views the institution as a business and the students as customers. That’s why money is often spent in ways that will attract applicants- stadiums, rec centers, etc.- rather than put toward promoting your growth as a student and intellectual being in what should primarily be an educational environment (hiring/ paying faculty well, updating classrooms, student funding, etc.).
Lastly, while the school IS diverse and that truly betters the institutional community, much, much more could be done to actually support students with marginalized identities rather than just talk about it.
- Alum
- 7 months ago
ReportStart Your Review of San Diego State University. Rating 5 out of 5 I may not have been able to achieve a full experience at San Diego State because of the pandemic with online classes. However, professors intend on ensuring that we are still cheerful on holding virtual events that motivate students to keep exceeding in academics. Something that I very much appreciate are general advisors and major advisors that guide you throughout your journey to complete all the graduation requirements. There is also many opportunities that are presented a lot of the times, which is something important to take advantage of — experiences that you won’t forget!
- Freshman
- 17 days ago
ReportRating 5 out of 5 I loved my experience at San Diego State. My experience with my professors was always very positive and they were always very helpful and interested in making sure I obtained the material well. They always made lectures entertaining. Not only is the campus breathtaking, SDSU is located in the best place possible. At SDSU, you’re surrounded by so much to do–beaches, shopping malls, hiking, etc. Not only did I thrive academically, but my social life excelled as well. There’s so many ways to get involved on campus, through Greek life and a variety of clubs. Although the transition into college may seem intimidating, SDSU is an amazing school and you”ll be sure to find your place here!
- Junior
- 9 months ago
Admission Data
Admission data includes information relating to the number of applications received by San Diego State University, the number of applications submitted to each major, academic indicators of incoming students, and other demographic information regarding applicants.
Visualizations
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