Douglas Olsen
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 San Diego. The university has a large student body, with varying estimates of its size. Some sources state that SDSU has over 36,000 students, while others report a figure of over 38,000 or more than 39,000. SDSU offers a range of academic programs and is known for its diverse and inclusive community, as well as its leadership in higher education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1897 |
| Type of Institution | Public |
| Location | San Diego, California, United States |
| Campus Size | 560 acres |
| Student Population | 32,896 (Fall 2023) to over 38,000 (Fall 2024) |
| Student Demographics | About 54% students of color |
| Recognition and Awards | Diversity Champion and Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award by INSIGHT Into Diversity; Top producer of Fulbright winners with over 100 recipients |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-based |
| Tuition and Fees (as of 2025) | In-state: $8,728; Out-of-state: $21,328 |
| Number of Colleges | 8 |
| Degree Programs Offered | Over 200 at the undergraduate and graduate levels |
| Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
| Classification | R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity |
| Athletic Programs | NCAA Division I athletics |
| Student Media | The Daily Aztec (newspaper), Del Sudoeste (yearbook) |
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What You'll Learn
San Diego State University's undergraduate enrollment (32,896)
San Diego State University, a prominent public research university in California, boasts an impressive student body. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the university's undergraduate enrollment stands at 32,896 students. This figure showcases the university's appeal and impact, not just in the local community but also on a national and global scale. With such a large undergraduate population, SDSU offers a diverse and vibrant educational environment, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.
The university's undergraduate enrollment figure tells only part of the story of its academic community. SDSU is a comprehensive university, offering a wide array of academic programs to suit a diverse range of student interests and career aspirations. The university confers bachelor's degrees in 96 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas, and doctoral degrees in 23 areas. With such a broad academic offering, the university attracts students with varied backgrounds and ambitions.
The student body at SDSU is not just large in number but also diverse in character. The university welcomes students from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, adding to the richness of the educational experience. According to the latest data, the student population includes 22% Hispanic students, 4% Black or African American students, and 11% international students, adding to the global perspective on campus. Furthermore, with a nearly equal gender distribution, the university fosters a balanced and inclusive community.
The impact of SDSU's large undergraduate enrollment extends beyond the campus. With such a significant number of students, the university makes a considerable impact on the local economy and community. The university is a major employer in the region, and the spending power of its students injects significant revenue into the local businesses and services. Additionally, the university's alumni network is vast, with over 300,000 graduates worldwide, contributing to various industries and fields.
The undergraduate enrollment at SDSU also highlights the university's commitment to accessibility and public higher education. As a public university, SDSU has a mission to serve the educational needs of a wide range of students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. The university offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to ensure a diverse student body has access to a quality education. This commitment to accessibility and opportunity contributes to the university's overall appeal and impact.
Lastly, the university's undergraduate enrollment is a testament to its reputation and standing in the educational landscape. With a large and diverse student body, SDSU has earned a reputation for academic excellence and student success. The university consistently ranks highly in various college rankings, recognizing its quality of education, research opportunities, and graduate outcomes. This reputation further enhances the university's appeal, attracting students who seek a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
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Total number of students in 2024 (over 38,000)
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, founded in 1897. It is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego and is recognised as a leader in higher education. In the fall of 2024, the university enrolled over 38,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the state.
SDSU offers a wide range of academic programmes and opportunities for its students. The university comprises eight colleges and offers over 200 degree programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is committed to providing a well-rounded education and encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. SDSU is also known for its vibrant campus life, with over 500,000 alumni and a diverse range of student clubs and organisations.
The university is situated in a prime location, just 30 minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Its campus covers 560 acres and includes the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, which has achieved LEED Double Platinum status for its energy efficiency. SDSU is also home to the Weber Honors College and several named schools, including the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy.
SDSU is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with a diverse student population. About 54% of students are of colour, and the university is recognised for its military and veteran programs and support for LGBTQ+ students. The university fosters an inclusive environment and encourages students to engage with the rich cultural life of the San Diego region.
With its large student population, SDSU provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The university's commitment to academic excellence and student success is evident in its wide range of programmes and initiatives. SDSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience.
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SDSU's student body size compared to other universities (over 36,000)
San Diego State University (SDSU) provides over 36,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 as of Fall 2023. SDSU is one of the many universities in the US with a student body of over 36,000.
For instance, Arizona State University enrolled nearly 65,200 students, while Texas A&M University's student body is almost 60,000. The University of Florida (UF) and the University of Minnesota in the twin cities of Minneapolis also have more than 36,000 undergraduates. NYU has nearly 60,000 students enrolled across over 400 programs.
Ohio State University's main campus in Columbus has around 46,000 undergraduates and 14,400 graduate students. California State University—Fullerton has the smallest student body among the universities mentioned, with nearly 37,000 students.
The largest university in the US serves over 80,000 students.
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The number of students per acre (560 acres)
San Diego State University (SDSU), one of the oldest universities in California, has a large student body. As of fall 2022, approximately 35,500 students were enrolled at the university. This includes students seeking bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as those in certificate programs. Spread across 560 acres, that equates to around 63.4 students per acre.
To break it down further, the university's student population can be looked at in terms of the number of students per acre. With 35,500 students and 560 acres of land, there is just under one student for every 0.02 acres, or, to put it another way, around 50 students for every acre of land.
The campus is divided into several areas, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. For example, the central campus, which covers around 120 acres, is the heart of the university and likely has a higher density of students as it includes the main academic buildings, administration offices, and central library. Residential areas, on the other hand, cover around 150 acres and include various housing options, from apartments to suites, likely resulting in a higher density of students in these areas.
The university also has a variety of outdoor spaces, such as the Aztec Recreation Center, which covers 13 acres and offers various facilities for students to stay active and healthy, and the Scripps Coastal Reserve, a 115-acre coastal habitat that provides a unique opportunity for research and education. These areas likely have a lower density of students as they are more specialized and serve specific purposes.
By considering the number of students per acre, we can gain a better understanding of the distribution and utilization of the university's space. It also highlights the efficient use of land to accommodate a large student body and the variety of facilities and resources offered by the university. This breakdown showcases the vibrant and active nature of the campus, with a thriving student population utilizing the space effectively.
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The university's ranking in California (#109)
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university that was founded in 1897. It is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. SDSU is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution and has been recognised for its diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university has a total undergraduate enrolment of 32,896 students (as of fall 2023) and offers over 200 degree programs.
SDSU has been ranked #109 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities. The university has also been recognised by Forbes as one of America's Top Colleges, taking into account factors such as graduation rate, student satisfaction, postgraduate success, and student debt. Additionally, SDSU has been acknowledged for its international business program, ranking #17 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The university's entrepreneurship program has also been recognised, ranking #27 nationally by the same publication.
SDSU's commitment to diversity and inclusion has been highlighted in its rankings. The university has been named a Diversity Champion and awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award by INSIGHT Into Diversity. SDSU is the only California school to earn both distinctions. It has also been recognised as a top college for LGBTQIA+ students and has a diverse student body, with about 54% of students of colour.
The university's research capabilities have been recognised, with SDSU achieving the highest distinction given to doctoral universities in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. In 2023, SDSU reported a 17% increase in grant funding, reaching $192.2 million, the highest amount in its history. SDSU also ranks #1 in the California State University (CSU) system for federal research output.
SDSU offers a wide array of majors and minors, providing students with flexibility in their course choices. The university has a vibrant campus life, with over 300 student clubs and organisations, and a rich performing arts culture. SDSU's location in San Diego also offers students access to a range of industries, including engineering, biotechnology, agriculture, and tourism.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego State University (SDSU) has a student population of over 36,000. In 2023, the total undergraduate enrolment was 32,896.
In 2024, the university celebrated reaching 500,000 alumni.
The campus size is 560 acres.
San Diego State University was founded in 1897.
