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Colleges / CA / San Diego
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San Diego State University

Public San Diego, CA · Urban · Far West · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
77%
Graduation Rate
$64,909
Earnings (10yr)
$15,364
Net Price
36%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

San Diego State University has an enrollment of 35,377 students, making it one of the largest universities in California. This vibrant campus community reflects a diverse student body and a wide array of academic programs. With a graduation rate of 77%, many students successfully complete their degrees and transition into the workforce.

According to Opportunity Insights data, San Diego State University plays a significant role in economic mobility. Graduates earn an average of $64,909 ten years after enrollment, indicating strong outcomes for those who complete their degrees. While specific mobility data is not available, the university supports a diverse population, including a 32% Pell Grant rate, which suggests a commitment to serving students from lower-income backgrounds.

The net price to attend San Diego State is $15,364, and the median debt for graduates is $15,000. This combination of costs and earnings makes the financial outlook relatively favorable for graduates. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Criminal Justice, benefiting from a supportive environment in these popular fields.

Rankings

How San Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation77%Earnings 10yr$65KNet Price$15KRetention91%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate32%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$13K$48-75K$24K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%897.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4078.4%MOBILITY366.18%

Cost & Financial Aid

$8,728
In-State Tuition
$21,328
Out-of-State
$15,364
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
32%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,910
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,017
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,697
Family Income $48K–$75K
$23,821
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$52,620
6 Years After Entry
$61,120
8 Years
$64,909
10 Years
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
70%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$52,620 6yr $61,120 8yr $64,909 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

366.18%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4078.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
897.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$100,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.64
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
0.97
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.355%
Inventor Rate
63
Total Patents
163
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 36%
Retention Rate 91%
Full-Time Faculty 50%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,042
Diversity Index 0.73
First-Gen Students 41%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 27%
Psychology 8%
Social Sciences 8%
Engineering 7%
Criminal Justice 6%
Communications 6%
Health Professions 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%