When it comes to choosing a university, comparing two institutions can provide valuable insights to help make the best decision. This article compares San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of San Diego (USD) by examining their costs, admissions, academics, and more.
San Diego State University Overview
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Established in 1897, it is the third-oldest university in the California State University system. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, and the arts.
San Diego State University Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, SDSU offers lower tuition rates for California residents compared to out-of-state and international students. For the academic year 2021-2022, the estimated tuition and fees for California residents were $7,720, while out-of-state and international students paid $19,620.
San Diego State University Admissions
The admissions process at SDSU is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 34%. Applicants must meet the California State University system’s minimum eligibility requirements, which include completing specific high school courses and achieving a minimum GPA.
San Diego State University Degrees Offered
SDSU offers over 160 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as over 100 graduate programs. Popular majors include business administration, psychology, criminal justice, and engineering.
San Diego State University Academics
The university is known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives. SDSU is classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.
San Diego State University Diversity
SDSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The university’s diverse student body includes individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
San Diego State University Students
SDSU has a total enrollment of over 35,000 students, with approximately 30,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students.
San Diego State University Campus
The SDSU campus spans 288 acres and features a range of modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and recreational amenities. The campus is also home to various student organizations and clubs that cater to a wide range of interests.
San Diego State University Alumni
SDSU has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Stephen Strasburg, Tony Gwynn, and Marion Ross.
San Diego State University Rankings
SDSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, SDSU was ranked #143 in National Universities and #65 in Top Public Schools.
San Diego State University Outcomes
According to College Factual, SDSU’s graduation rate is 74%, with an average starting salary of $47,000 for recent graduates.
University of San Diego Overview
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1949, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, and engineering.
University of San Diego Costs & Tuition
As a private institution, tuition at USD is higher than at a public university like SDSU. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition at USD was estimated at $53,382.
University of San Diego Admissions
USD has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 49%. Applicants are evaluated based on their high school coursework, GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
University of San Diego Degrees Offered
The University of San Diego offers over 40 undergraduate majors and programs, as well as more than 30 graduate degrees. Popular majors include business, finance, and nursing.
University of San Diego Academics
USD is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for an engaging and interactive learning environment.
University of San Diego Diversity
USD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university values the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals from different backgrounds bring to the learning environment.
University of San Diego Students
There are over 8,000 students enrolled at USD, including approximately 5,600 undergraduates and 2,400 graduate students.
University of San Diego Campus
USD’s 180-acre campus is situated on a hilltop overlooking San Diego and features Spanish Renaissance architecture, beautiful gardens, and modern facilities.
University of San Diego Alumni
USD boasts a strong network of over 70,000 alumni, including prominent individuals such as CEO of Sempra Energy, Jeffrey W. Martin, and U.S. Navy Admiral Craig Faller.
University of San Diego Rankings
USD consistently ranks among the top national universities. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, USD was ranked #97 in National Universities and #60 in Best Value Schools.
University of San Diego Outcomes
The University of San Diego has a graduation rate of 80%, with an average starting salary of $54,000 for recent graduates, according to College Factual.
San Diego State University vs University of San Diego Cost Comparison
When comparing costs, San Diego State University offers a significantly lower tuition rate for in-state students than the University of San Diego, a private institution. However, out-of-state students may find the cost difference to be smaller.
San Diego State University vs University of San Diego Admissions Difficulty
Both SDSU and USD have competitive admissions processes, with SDSU having a slightly lower acceptance rate at 34% compared to USD’s 49%.
San Diego State University vs University of San Diego Academic Difficulty
SDSU and USD both provide rigorous academic programs, though USD’s smaller class sizes and personalized attention from faculty may lead to a more intimate learning environment.
San Diego State University vs University of San Diego Outcome Comparison
Both universities have strong graduation rates, with USD slightly higher at 80% compared to SDSU’s 74%. Additionally, USD graduates tend to have a higher average starting salary ($54,000) than SDSU graduates ($47,000).
