Exploring San Diego State University's Student Population

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a large public research university with a student population of over 39,000. SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego, California, and was founded in 1897. The university has a strong focus on research and is recognised as a leader in higher education. SDSU offers a wide range of degree programs and is known for its diverse and inclusive community.

SDSU's undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023

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. SDSU offers a range of academic programs and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As of Fall 2023, SDSU had a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,896 students. The university provides these students with a variety of opportunities, including transformational international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring programs, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities.

SDSU's campus spans 560 acres and is located in an urban setting. The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar and offers students a wide range of courses and programs to choose from. With its large undergraduate population, SDSU is able to offer a diverse and enriching educational experience to its students.

The maximum undergraduate registration units for Fall 2023 increased from 18 to 21 units. Students requesting to enroll in more than 21 units were required to receive approval from their academic advisor. SDSU's undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023 reflects the university's popularity and attractiveness as a higher education institution. The large student population also contributes to the vibrant campus life and the diverse range of programs and activities offered at SDSU.

SDSU's total student population

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1897 and has since grown to become a leading public research university. SDSU provides more than 39,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum. In fall 2024, the university enrolled over 38,000 students.

SDSU 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 university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

SDSU's undergraduate enrollment was 32,896 in fall 2023. The university is known for its transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. Recognized as a national leader in higher education, SDSU is committed to excellence and is known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion.

SDSU ranks No. 1 in the California State University (CSU) system for federal research output and is a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). It resides on Kumeyaay land and is also a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SDSU is recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. About 54% of students are people of colour, and the university is known for its military and veteran programs and is ranked as a top college for LGBTQ students.

SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 97 areas, master’s degrees in 84 fields, and 23 doctoral degrees. The university awards 190 bachelor's degrees, 91 master's degrees, and 30 doctoral degrees, including EdD, DPT, JD, AuD, DNP, and PhD programs in collaboration with other universities. SDSU also offers 26 different teaching credentials.

SDSU's ranking in the 2025 Best Colleges list

San Diego State University (SDSU) has been recognised by several ranking systems and publications for its academic excellence and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, SDSU ranks #109 in National Universities. This ranking places it within the top 150 universities in the nation, including both public and private schools.

SDSU has also been recognised by U.S. News & World Report, which ranked it #30 in the nation for entrepreneurship. Additionally, SDSU's international business program was ranked #17, and its entrepreneurship program was ranked #27. SDSU also ranked #67 in psychology, #84 for its undergraduate business program, and #90 in engineering.

SDSU has been named a "Diversity Champion" by INSIGHT Into Diversity and has been awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award. It is recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with about 54% of students being students of colour. SDSU is also a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

In terms of social mobility, SDSU ranked #38 in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges rankings, which measures the success of universities in graduating students from low-income households. SDSU has also been recognised for its support of LGBTQIA+ students and its veterans programs.

SDSU is a major public research institution, ranked #1 in the California State University (CSU) system for federal research output. It provides transformative experiences for its more than 36,000 students, offering international experiences, sustainability initiatives, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities.

SDSU's tuition fees

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1897 and has since grown to become a leading public research university. SDSU provides more than 39,000 students with academic opportunities each year. The university has a total undergraduate enrolment of 32,896 as of Fall 2023.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at SDSU vary depending on whether a student is a resident of California or not. For the 2022-23 academic year, tuition for in-state students was $8,174, while out-of-state students paid $20,054. From Fall 2023 onwards, non-resident students, including out-of-state and international students, are charged $420 per unit of coursework in addition to the basic tuition fees.

The total cost of attendance, including on-campus room and board, other expenses, and books and supplies, is estimated to be $32,110 for in-state students and $43,990 for out-of-state students.

It is important to note that these costs do not account for price increases, and tuition fees are subject to change. SDSU has announced a tuition increase of 6% per year for the next five years, starting in Fall 2024.

Additional Fees

In addition to the basic tuition and non-resident fees, there are other fees that students may be required to pay. These include:

• Professional Program Fees: Charged at a rate of $285 per unit of coursework for graduate students enrolled in the Fowler College of Business.
• Miscellaneous Course Fees: Various course fees based on the specific classes that students are enrolled in.
• Campus Fees: Determined by the student's home campus and are subject to change if a student transfers to another campus.
• Out-of-State and International Student Fee: Effective from Fall 2023, incoming out-of-state and international students are required to pay an additional fee per semester until graduation.

Financial Aid

SDSU is committed to making education accessible and provides financial aid to eligible students. During the 2020-21 academic year, 58% of first-time, full-time undergraduates received financial assistance. The university also offers guidance on applying for private student loans.

SDSU's Greek life

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in southern California. It was founded in 1897 and has since grown to become a leading institution, recognised for its academic excellence and commitment to diversity and inclusion. SDSU provides transformative experiences for its over 36,000 students, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 32,896 as of Fall 2023.

Greek life is a significant aspect of the SDSU community, with fraternal organisations present on campus since 1899. Currently, SDSU is home to 44 recognised fraternities and sororities, with over 4,000 student members. These organisations offer a unique sense of community and facilitate the growth of their members within the larger university environment. Each fraternity and sorority is founded on values and ethics that promote the highest ideals and behaviour among their members.

The Pierce Greek Life Centre, located on Fraternity Row, serves as a hub for Greek life activities. Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority can participate in recruitment events and must meet specific eligibility requirements. Joining Greek life offers a range of benefits, including leadership development, academic achievement, alumni relations, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and philanthropy and service opportunities.

While Greek life is a prominent feature of SDSU's campus culture, it is not the only way to have a social life. Students have over 300 student clubs and organisations to choose from, allowing them to explore a diverse range of interests and connect with like-minded individuals. It is important for students to remember that they should not feel pressured to join Greek life if it does not align with their values or interests.

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