
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1897, SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in the city. The university comprises eight colleges and offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In the fall of 2024, the university enrolled over 38,000 students, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 in the fall of 2023. SDSU is a diverse and inclusive institution, federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of institution | Public research university |
| Year founded | 1897 |
| Location | San Diego, California, United States |
| Campus size | 560 acres |
| Student population | Over 38,000 |
| Number of colleges | 8 |
| Number of degree programs | Over 200 |
| Tuition and fees (in-state) | $8,728 |
| Tuition and fees (out-of-state) | $21,328 |
| Number of student groups | 300+ |
| Number of named schools | 2 |
| Financial endowment | $353.2 million (as of 2021) |
| Transportation | San Diego Trolley |
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What You'll Learn

SDSU is a public research university
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1897, it is the third-oldest university in the California State University (CSU) system and the oldest institution of higher education in San Diego. SDSU is a leader in higher education and has gained recognition for its diverse range of programs and research initiatives.
SDSU offers a rich campus life and a vibrant community for its students. The university comprises eight colleges and provides over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also home to the Weber Honors College and two named schools: the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy. SDSU's campus spans 560 acres and includes various facilities, such as lecture halls, residence halls, and research facilities.
As of fall 2024, SDSU enrolled over 38,000 students, making it one of the largest research universities in California. The university has a strong research focus and has been classified as an R1 institution, placing it in the top 5% of research universities in the United States. SDSU's research endeavours cover a wide range of subjects, including driver distraction, the effect of chemical contaminants on human health, sustainable agriculture, early childhood development, combating food insecurity, and aircraft design.
SDSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and has been recognised as a Diversity Champion. It is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The university also has a significant impact on its community, offering internships, career opportunities, and engagement with the cultural life of the San Diego region.
SDSU's reputation as a leading public research university is further enhanced by its rankings. It has been ranked among the top colleges in the nation for entrepreneurship and public health graduate programs. SDSU's international business and entrepreneurship programs have also been recognised by U.S. News & World Report. The university's grant funding for research rose by 17% in 2023, reaching a record-breaking $192.2 million.
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It was founded in 1897
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States. It was founded on March 13, 1897, as the San Diego Normal School, a training facility for elementary school teachers.
In the summer of 1899, San Diego Normal School became the first California normal school to offer summer courses. It maintained this position until 1913. On June 21, 1900, the first class graduated: 23 women and three men. The school's first president, Samuel T. Black, resigned in 1910 and was replaced by Edward L. Hardy, who increased the faculty size from 19 to 27 in 1912 to accommodate increased enrollment.
In 1921, the school became San Diego State Teachers College, allowing it to grant certificates and degrees. By the end of the 1950s, the student population had reached 10,000, and the renamed San Diego State College was the fourth-largest California state institution. During the 1960s and 1970s, the campus saw increased enrollment, the accreditation of its professional schools, and multiple incidents of student activism. On January 1, 1974, the college was renamed San Diego State University.
Today, SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego and the third-oldest university in the 23-member California State University (CSU) system. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 (as of fall 2023) and offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
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SDSU has over 36,000 students
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1897, it is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. SDSU has over 36,000 students and offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university comprises eight colleges, including the Weber Honors College, and two named schools: the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy.
SDSU's main campus is located in San Diego, but the university also offers courses from its Imperial Valley and Georgia campuses. The total undergraduate enrollment at SDSU was 32,896 in the fall of 2023. The university's campus size is 560 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. SDSU is a public institution that champions diversity and is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
The university has a rich campus life and is located in a vibrant cultural city, offering students opportunities to engage with the creative and performing arts and participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities. SDSU also has a wide range of student groups, with over 300 different clubs and organizations, as well as Division 1 athletics teams. The university is known for its near-perfect climate, sandy beaches, and waterfront activities, providing a unique and appealing student experience.
SDSU is highly regarded in the field of research, reporting over $164 million in research-related funding. The university's grant funding rose by 17% in 2023, reaching $192.2 million, the highest amount in its history. SDSU's research endeavours and funding contribute to its recognition as a leader in higher education. The university has also been acknowledged for its diversity, receiving the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award, and for its international business and entrepreneurship programs, ranked 17th and 27th in the nation, respectively, by U.S. News & World Report.
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The university has eight colleges
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1897, it is the third-oldest university and southernmost in the 23-member California State University (CSU) system. SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. The university comprises eight colleges and offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The eight colleges of SDSU include the College of Sciences, which operates the Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory (CMIL). This academic laboratory is located on a coastal site within the grounds of the old San Diego Naval Training Center. Another college is the Imperial Valley Campus, a branch campus located in Calexico, California, with an additional campus in Brawley, California. This campus was originally intended for upper-division, teacher certification, and graduate students. However, it now also serves a selective cohort of freshmen and sophomores pursuing degrees in criminal justice, liberal studies, or psychology. SDSU Georgia is another branch campus located in Tbilisi, Georgia, in the former Soviet Republic. It is run in conjunction with three Georgian universities: Georgian Technical University (GTU), Ilia State University (ISU), and Tbilisi State University.
SDSU is a diverse and inclusive university, recognised as a Diversity Champion by INSIGHT into Diversity. It is also a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The university offers a wide range of degree programs, including 190 bachelor's degrees, 91 master's degrees, and 30 doctoral degrees. SDSU also provides 26 different teaching credentials. The university has a strong research focus, with grant funding reaching $192.2 million in 2023, the highest amount in its history.
With a large student body, SDSU enrolled over 38,000 students in the fall of 2024. The university's vibrant campus life and ideal location offer students numerous opportunities for engagement, including in the creative and performing arts, internships, and athletics. SDSU's athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports and have won 14 Olympic medals as of 2021.
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It offers over 200 degree programs
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in Southern California. Founded in 1897, it is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 students as of Fall 2023, and its campus size spans 560 acres. SDSU has gained recognition for its diverse academic programs, offering over 200 degree programs across various disciplines.
The university's broad curriculum caters to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations. One of the standout features of SDSU is its comprehensive approach to education, providing a diverse array of degree programs that enrich the student experience and foster intellectual exploration. With such a vast selection of programs, students can tailor their academic journey according to their passions and career goals.
The university's degree programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical opportunities, such as internships and research projects, to ensure that students gain hands-on experience. This well-rounded approach to education empowers graduates to confidently enter their chosen professions, equipped with the competencies sought after by employers.
SDSU is particularly renowned for its strong business and entrepreneurship programs. The International Business program is ranked 17th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report, while the Entrepreneurship program holds the 27th spot. These rankings highlight the university's excellence in preparing students for success in the dynamic world of business and startups. SDSU's business programs produce well-rounded graduates who are sought after by top companies and are equipped to become innovative entrepreneurs.
In addition to its business programs, SDSU offers a multitude of other degree options. Students can explore diverse fields such as journalism, psychology, computer science, biology, criminal justice, economics, and sociology. The university also encourages engagement with the creative and performing arts, providing a platform for students to develop their artistic talents alongside their academic pursuits. SDSU's diverse curriculum reflects its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute to various sectors of society.
With its extensive array of degree programs, SDSU provides students with a wealth of academic choices. The university's dedication to academic excellence and its focus on holistic student development empower graduates to embark on their chosen paths with confidence and a strong foundation for success. SDSU's recognition as a leader in higher education is well-deserved, and its alumni network of over 500,000 individuals stands as a testament to its enduring impact on countless lives.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego State University (SDSU) enrolled over 38,000 students in the fall of 2024. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 as of fall 2023.
SDSU offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
SDSU is a public research university and the oldest higher education institution in San Diego.
The campus size of SDSU is 560 acres.











































