San Diego State University (SDSU): Courses, Fees 2026, Admissions & Scholarships

San Diego State University (SDSU): Courses, Fees 2026, Admissions & Scholarships

San Diego, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1896established year
38369enrollment
ACS WASC
Public
7.7/10
Naman Mittal's profile photo

Naman Mittal

Updated on - May 28, 2026

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, founded in 1897 as the oldest higher education institution in the San Diego area. SDSU hosts approximately 35,000 students from 100+ countries, including over 2,500 international students, and offers 200+ programmes. SDSU is ranked #117 in US News National Universities 2025 and is one of the top public R1 research universities in California.

For Indian students, SDSU is a strong California state university choice with a 34-37% acceptance rate, out-of-state tuition of $22,552/year for UG (₹21.65 Lakhs) and $20,332/year for Graduate (₹19.52 Lakhs), plus the SDSU Excellence Scholarship and Fulbright-eligible status. Since 2005, SDSU has produced 90+ Fulbright scholars. Popular Master's choices among Indian students include MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Systems, MS in Business Analytics, MBA, and MS in Electrical Engineering. The 280-acre campus is 12 minutes from downtown San Diego and 30 minutes from the Mexico border.

  • Type: Public research R1 university, founded in 1897 (oldest in San Diego)
  • Location: San Diego, California (year-round sunshine, beaches)
  • US News National Universities Rank: #117 (2026)
  • Acceptance rate: 34 - 37%
  • International students: 2,500+ from 100+ countries
  • Research funding: $190 million annually
  • Average graduate starting salary: $65,000-$85,000/year (₹62.40 to ₹81.60 Lakhs)

Also read, 


Popular Courses and Fees at San Diego State University 2026

San Diego State University follows a credit-based tuition system where international students pay a fixed base tuition fee along with a per-credit (unit) tuition charge. The university charges approximately $6,838 per year as Basic Undergraduate Tuition and around $8,548 per year as Basic Graduate Tuition. In both cases, international students are additionally charged $471 per credit/unit as non-resident tuition.

For example, if an international student takes a BS Computer Science programme and completes around 30 credits per academic year, the tuition calculation would be:

  • 30 credits × $471 = $14,130 per year (Approx. ₹13.56 Lakhs)

Estimated Total Undergraduate Tuition

  • Base Undergraduate Tuition: $6,838 (Approx. ₹6.56 Lakhs)
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $14,130 (Approx. ₹13.56 Lakhs)
  • Estimated Total Tuition: ~$20,968 per year (Approx. ₹20.13 Lakhs)

The tuition estimates given below are generally based on the minimum credits required to complete the programme successfully. 

Programme Duration Tuition Fee 2026/27 Tuition (INR)
Fowler MBA 2 years $25,500/year ₹24.48 Lakhs/year
MS Computer Science 2 years $20,332/year ₹19.52 Lakhs/year
MS Information Systems 2 years $20,332/year ₹19.52 Lakhs/year
MS Business Analytics 18 months $28,500 ₹27.36 Lakhs total
MS Electrical Engineering 2 years $20,332/year ₹19.52 Lakhs/year
MS Data Science 2 years $23,500/year ₹22.56 Lakhs/year
BBA Business Administration 4 years $22,552/year ₹21.65 Lakhs/year
BS Computer Science 4 years $22,552/year ₹21.65 Lakhs/year
BS Engineering 4 years $22,552/year ₹21.65 Lakhs/year
PhD Full-time 4 to 6 years $11,000/year ₹10.56 Lakhs/year

 

SDSU's flagship subjects are Computer Science, Business Analytics, Engineering, Public Health, and Clinical Psychology. The Fowler College of Business is AACSB-accredited, and SDSU is one of the few US public universities classified as R1 (very high research activity).

Read More: SDSU Courses and Fees


San Diego State University Intakes and Deadline 2026

SDSU accepts applications through the Cal State Apply portal for UG and the SDSU WebPortal for graduate programmes. The university operates three intakes: Fall (August, primary), Spring (January), and Summer (May). International graduate decisions typically arrive within 6 to 8 weeks.

Programme Level Application Portal Fall 2026 Deadline Spring 2027 Deadline
UG via Cal State Apply Cal State Apply 30 November 2025 (Closed) / Late: April 2026 31 August 2026
Graduate (MS, MA) SDSU WebPortal 15 March 2026 (Closed) / Late: April 2026 15 October 2026
Fowler MBA SDSU MBA Portal Round 4: 1 May 2026 1 October 2026
PhD SDSU WebPortal 15 January 2026 (Closed) / next: Jan 2027 Programme-specific

For Fall 2027 UG entry, the Cal State Apply deadline opens 1 October 2026 and closes 30 November 2026. SDSU encourages international students to apply at least 4 months before the term start. The Fowler MBA operates in 4 rounds from October to May.

Read More: SDSU Admission Process


San Diego State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants

SDSU requires Class 12 at 75% to 80% for UG entry and a Bachelor's at 65% to 70% (CGPA 3.0+/4.0) for Graduate entry. The Fowler MBA requires a Bachelor's at 60%+ plus 2 years of work experience. GMAT/GRE is required for most graduate programmes, though several MS programmes are now test-optional.

Requirement UG (Bachelor's) Graduate (Master's) Fowler MBA
Academic minimum Class 12: 75% to 80% (CBSE/ICSE/state board) Bachelor's: 65% to 70% (CGPA 3.0+/4.0) Bachelor's: 60%+ with 2 years work exp
IELTS 6.0 overall (6.0 each band) 6.5 overall (6.0 each band) 6.5 overall (6.0 each band)
TOEFL iBT 80 overall 80 to 90 overall 90 overall
SAT / ACT SAT 1100 to 1300 / ACT 22 to 29 (optional through 2026) Not required Not required
GRE/GMAT Not required Required for most MS (verbal 150+, quant 155+) GMAT 580+ (587 avg) recommended
References Not required for UG 3 academic references 2 references (1 academic, 1 professional)
Personal Statement / SOP Cal State Apply personal statement 500 to 750-word SOP 500-word essays and an interview

Indian Bachelor's degrees from UGC-recognised universities are accepted at face value. 3-year Indian Bachelor's degrees are typically accepted for Master's entry, but some STEM programmes prefer a 4-year degree (BTech, BE) for direct admission. SDSU does not require WES evaluation but recommends it for non-standard transcripts.


San Diego State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students

The total annual cost of SDSU for an Indian student is ₹35 to ₹50 Lakhs for a Master's and ₹37 to ₹52 Lakhs for UG, including tuition and living. The Fowler MBA total cost is roughly ₹40 to ₹55 Lakhs/year for the 2-year programme. San Diego is one of the more expensive California cities; the university estimates total living costs at approximately $23,000 to $26,500/year (₹22.08 to ₹25.44 Lakhs).

Expense Category Monthly (USD) Monthly (INR) Annual (INR)
On-campus accommodation (en-suite) $1,400 to $1,800 ₹1.34 to ₹1.73 Lakhs ₹16.13 to ₹20.74 Lakhs
Off-campus shared rent (College Area) $900 to $1,300 ₹86,400 to ₹1.25 Lakhs ₹10.37 to ₹14.98 Lakhs
Food  $300 to $400 ₹28,800 to ₹38,400 ₹3.46 to ₹4.61 Lakhs
Transportation $60 to $100 ₹5,760 to ₹9,600 ₹69,120 to ₹1.15 Lakhs
Health insurance (mandatory) $200 to $260 ₹19,200 to ₹24,960 ₹2.30 to ₹2.99 Lakhs
Personal and books $130 to $200 ₹12,480 to ₹19,200 ₹1.50 to ₹2.30 Lakhs

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


San Diego State University Rankings 2026

San Diego State University is ranked #109 in US News National Universities 2026, #751-800 in QS World University Rankings 2026, and is one of the few US public universities classified as R1 (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. SDSU is also ranked #75 in Top Public Universities (US News) and is consistently named in the top 10 for study abroad programmes and ethnic diversity.

Ranking Body 2026 Rank 2025 Rank US Rank
US News National Universities - #117 Top 30 Public
QS World University Rankings #1001-1200 #1001-1200 Top 100 US
Times Higher Education World #1001-1200 #1001-1200 Top 120 US
Forbes America's Top Colleges Top 150 Top 150 Top 30 California
Wall Street Journal Best Colleges Top 150 Top 150 Top California Public
Carnegie Classification R1 (Very High Research) R1 Top 130 US

Source: US News Best Colleges 2025, QS World University Rankings 2026, Times Higher Education 2026.

Read More: SDSU Rankings


San Diego State University Scholarships 2026

San Diego State University offers 1,500+ scholarships for international students, with 15+ directly accessible to Indian applicants. The flagship is the SDSU International Tuition Scholarship, offering $2,000 to $5,000 (₹1.92 to ₹4.80 Lakhs). SDSU has produced 90+ Fulbright scholars since 2005, making it Fulbright-eligible for Indian applicants.

Scholarship Amount Eligibility Application
SDSU International Tuition Scholarship $2,000 to $5,000 (₹1.92 to ₹4.80 Lakhs) International UG and Graduate applicants; merit-based Separate form; Jan 2026 deadline
Graduate Equity Fellowship $3,000 to $5,000 (₹2.88 to ₹4.80 Lakhs) Graduate students with strong academic record Separate form; Apr 2026 deadline
Fowler MBA Scholarship $5,000 to $15,000 (₹4.80 to ₹14.40 Lakhs) MBA applicants with strong work history Auto-considered with MBA offer
Aztec Investment Group Award $2,500 to $5,000 (₹2.40 to ₹4.80 Lakhs) Finance and Investment MS applicants Auto-considered with offer
SDSU International Student Award $1,000 to $3,000 (₹96,000 to ₹2.88 Lakhs) International applicants demonstrating leadership Separate form; Mar 2026 deadline

Read More: SDSU Scholarships


SDSU offers a unique combination of R1 research status, US News Top 110 ranking, San Diego location (year-round sunshine, beaches, biotech and defence hub), and the AACSB-accredited Fowler College of Business. The MS Business Analytics is highly ranked, and the MS CS programme has strong industry placement with Qualcomm and Apple. Indian applicants targeting California tech jobs with moderate budgets have a clear advantage at SDSU.

San Diego State University is a strong choice for Indian students seeking a California public university with strong outcomes in tech, business, and engineering. The combination of out-of-state tuition between $20,332 and $25,500 (₹19.52 to ₹24.48 Lakhs), 12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT, and US News #109 ranking makes the total cost manageable at ₹35 to ₹50 Lakhs/year after a typical ₹25 to ₹35 Lakh education loan.

For Fall 2026 entry, the priority steps are: apply via Cal State Apply (UG, deadlines closed) or SDSU WebPortal (Graduate) by 15 April 2026 (late), submit GRE/GMAT scores where required (most MS programmes), pay the $70 application fee, and apply for the F-1 visa with the I-20 from SDSU. Indian families targeting funding should apply for the SDSU International Tuition Scholarship form (separate, January 2026 closed for current cycle; Jan 2027 for Fall 2027) and Graduate Equity Fellowship.


FAQs

Ques. What is the cost of living at San Diego State University?

Ans. SDSU living costs are $23,000 to $26,500/year (₹22.08 to ₹25.44 Lakhs), higher than most US public universities due to San Diego's expensive housing market. On-campus accommodation is $1,400 to $1,800/month (₹1.34 to ₹1.73 Lakhs). Off-campus shared housing in College Area is cheaper at $900 to $1,300/month.

Ques. Does SDSU offer post-study work options for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, Indian students on the F-1 visa qualify for 12 months OPT post-study work. STEM graduates (CS, Engineering, Sciences) qualify for an additional 24 months STEM OPT extension, totalling 36 months. Indian students can work 20 hours/week on campus during term. SDSU Career Services supports OPT applications and H-1B-sponsoring employer connections.

Ques. Is GMAT or GRE required for SDSU MBA or Master's programmes?

Ans. GMAT 580+ is recommended for the Fowler MBA (avg 587). GRE is required for most MS programmes at SDSU (verbal 150+, quant 155+), though several MS CS and MS Business Analytics tracks are now test-optional. PhD requires GRE. Check the specific programme page for current test requirements.

Ques. How long does it take to get an offer from SDSU?

Ans. Graduate offers typically arrive in 6 to 8 weeks after submission. UG offers via Cal State Apply take 4 to 6 weeks. Conditional offers convert to unconditional after final transcript submission with the required percentage (75-80% UG / 65-70% Graduate). The Fowler MBA decision is communicated 4 to 6 weeks after each round closes.

San Diego State University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibilityFinancial Aid
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Submit Documents Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70TOEFL- 4 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 105 | PTE- 58
MBA
2 years
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Apr 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Apr 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2026)
USD 17,852 /Yr70GPA 3.2, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2026)
USD 17,454 /Yr70GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105
-
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2026)
USD 18,786 /Yr70GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Apr 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Apr 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (1st Mar 2026)
USD 24,114 /Yr70GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105
-
Cal State Apply Application For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Program Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
Documents submission Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 11,372 /Yr70IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
-

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [MS] Computer Science

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4|IELTS6.5|PTE58|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: TOEFL- 4 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 105 | PTE- 58
USD 11,372 /Yr
73 Students Applied
6 Students Admitted

Master of Science [MS] Information Systems

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4|IELTS6.5|PTE58|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
USD 11,372 /Yr
13 Students Applied
7 Students Admitted

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

Master of Science [M.S] Big Data Analytics

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4|IELTS6.5|PTE58|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: GPA 3.2, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105
USD 17,852 /Yr
5 Students Applied
1 Student Admitted
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4|IELTS6.5|PTE58|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
USD 11,372 /Yr
3 Students Applied
2 Students Admitted

Master of Science [M.Sc] Electrical Engineering

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4|IELTS6.5|PTE58|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105
USD 11,372 /Yr
9 Students Applied
4 Students Admitted

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

San Diego State University comparison

University NameSan Diego State UniversitySan Francisco State UniversitySanta Clara UniversityUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of CaliforniaSan Jose State UniversityUniversity of San Diego
Collegedunia Score4.2 Out of 104.1 Out of 104.1 Out of 105.3 Out of 107.3 Out of 104.7 Out of 104.1 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #513 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1001 QS World University 2026
  • #1001 Times Higher Education 2026
  • #400 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1401 QS World University 2026
  • #1201 QS World University 2025
  • #368 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1307 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #60 US News 2024
  • #137 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #138 Times Higher Education 2026
  • #287 QS World University 2026
  • #35 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #47 Times Higher Education 2026
  • #66 QS World University 2026
  • #440 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1513 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #1624 US News 2024
  • #638 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1201 QS World University 2026
  • #1201 QS World University 2025
Subject Strength
  • #354 for Engineering by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #273 for Medicine by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #151 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021
-
  • #181 for Engineering by US News 2025
  • #156 for Law by US News 2025
  • #135 for Engineering by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #122 for Medicine by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #147 for Law by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #36 for Engineering by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #28 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025
  • #24 for Medicine by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022
  • #1001 for Law by Times Higher Education 2022
  • #243 for Law by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
Programs
  • UG Programs- 70
  • PG Programs - 63
  • UG Programs- 72
  • PG Programs - 35
  • UG Programs- 30
  • PG Programs - 19
    • UG Programs- 23
    • PG Programs - 32
    • Doctorate Programs -5
    • UG Programs- 127
    • PG Programs - 78
    • UG Programs- 36
    • PG Programs - 23
    • Doctorate Programs -2
    Acceptance Rate36.0 %90.0 %44.0 %86.0 %0.0 %85.0 %47.0 %
    Exam Score-
    Cost to Study
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 40843 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 36375 [For PG Program]
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 19512 Per Year
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 9256 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 10700 [For PG Program]
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 31970 Per Year
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 32064 Per Year
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 37122 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 46021 [For PG Program]
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 16800 Per Year
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 29754 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 32487 [For PG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 19732 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 16753 [For PG Program]
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 22702 Per Year
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 57924 [For UG Program]
    • Average Tuition Fees:USD 51748 [For PG Program]
    • Hostel + Meal:USD 30207 Per Year
    -Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

    Do you think the data is wrong ?  Report Here

    San Diego State University Ranking

    2026202520242023202220212020201920182017

    Collegedunia Study Abroad logo

    Overall 513 out of 824 in Global Ranking

    #251 out of 357 in USA 2026

    QS World University logo

    Overall 1001 out of 1401 in Global Ranking

    #102 out of 189 in USA 2026

    Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

    San Diego State University Ratings

    Based on 10 Students Rating

    7.7 out of 10
    8.0/10Academic
    7.9/10Accommodation
    8.4/10Faculty
    9.0/10Infrastructure
    6.8/10Placement
    9.0/10Social Life

    San Diego State University Reviews


    StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
    Sort By :
    Newest First

    Sciences (6)
    Computer Science (4)
    Medicine (1)
    Information Technology (1)
    Bioinformatics (1)
    Health Care (1)
    Biomedical Engineering (1)
    Campus (3)
    Faculty (3)
    Scholarship (3)
    Tuition (3)
    Career (2)
    Office (2)
    Process (2)
    Program (2)
    School (2)
    Course Curriculum (1)
    Hostel (1)
    Job Opportunity (1)
    Opinion (1)
    Person (1)
    Project (1)

    10 Reviews Found

    RU

    Campus Life

    10

    • My college has one main campus area located at 5500 Campanile Drive.
    • All facilities like cafes, restaurants, sports, gyms, gaming rooms, turf, stadiums, auditoriums, and much more are available.
    • SDSU celebrates all festivals in the USA with lots of decorations and free food. They also celebrate Indian cultural events on campus.
    • All sports are included on campus with dedicated clubs that students can join and practice accordingly.

    Fees

    • Entire course costs upto to 38,000$ (19000$ per year with 2 semesters)
    • Fees are charged semester-wise. Estimated monthly expense is about 820$, 560$ rent. Groceries, electricity and misc are the rest after paying the rent.
    • Usually the rent is about 560 to 590 in a 5-sharing apartment but goes up when shared in 4.
    • Near Campus, all are mostly taken by the undergrad students with $1,000 per month.

    academic: 10/10
    faculty: 10/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 8/10
    placement: 8/10
    extracurricular: 10/10

    Campus Life

    10

    • SDSU has 3 campuses:
    • Main campus : 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182,
    • Imperial Valley campus : 720 Heber Ave, Calexico, CA 92231 and,
    • San Diego State University, Georgia: PP6X+R9M, Tbilisi, Georgia
    • I was on the main campus, which has a library, a student health clinic that offers a range of medical services for students, an open auditorium, an indoor basketball court, an open football field, futsal pitches, a gym, temperature-regulated swimming pools and an indoor sports centre.
    • Our college participates in major sports leagues at the college level in football, basketball, volleyball and also hosts concerts of various musical artists. Aztec Nights is a major festival at the start of each year.

    Fees

    • $38500/year (tuition basic tuition $9570+ international student tuition $7128, approx living expense $15375 + books or personal expense ~ $4000, Health insuarance $1700)
    • The fees were charged semester-wise. I have already stated my yearly expense of off-campus living as 15000 which comes down to $1250 per month ($600 rent and the rest for my personal expense)

    academic: 6/10
    faculty: 8/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 6/10
    placement: 4/10
    extracurricular: 10/10

    Campus Life

    10

    • The San Diego campus and the Imperial Valley campus together comprise the main two Campuses of SDSU. However, for remote learning, SDSU has its extended arm-the Online Global campus-that many students may prefer for some flexibility. SDSU has a plethora of Amenities that enricher student life. With tons of resources, guided study spaces, and support For researchers, the library serves as a great facility for study work.
    • The sports facility is one of The most beautiful features of this campus, which includes fitness programs, gym, and courts Chat keep students active and healthy. Other on-campus medical services offer health Consultations, emergency care, and wellness programs to promote physical and mental well-Being.
    • Also characteristic of campus life is the vibrant scene of SDSU that promotes big festivalsand campus-wide events that pull students together. Various cultural holidays and international celebrations are honored on campus, thus providing an opportunity for everyone to meet the lifestyle of other traditions.
    • Other bigger events include annual cultural festivals, career fairs,and community-building activities, fun and engaging. Plenty of different groups may register for student clubs and organizations, depending on the cultural aspect of students and ; interests, ongoing social initiatives, and hobbies.
    • Another important aspect of student life is extracurricular activities that are a core part of SDSU. Sports lovers have loads of opportunities to join intramural and varsity teams for basketball, soccer, swimming, and athletics. Set against this backdrop of cultural activities, music concerts, dance competitions, and art exhibitions are organized, giving students platforms to showcase their talents.

    Fees

    •  I-20 mentioned a total $45,000 for 1 year which included tuition fees $ 19,766, Living Expenses $ 22,813, Health Insurance, Books, Supplies $ 3,146. But in total, my tuition fees are $32000 for 2 years and health insurance is $2000 per year.
    • Fees are credit based, and semester based.
    • Average rent: $850 - $1000. Rent and utility: $600, WiFi – Mobile recharge: $50, Food and other expenses $200.

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 8/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 8/10
    placement: 8/10
    extracurricular: 10/10

    Campus Life

    10

    • Our university has 2 campuses: one is the main campus, and the second is the Imperial Valley campus. I have never been to the Imperial Valley campus.
    • The university has 24*7 library, Swimming pool, 3 Big Grounds for Football cricket, etc., 2 gyms, and other activities like badminton, pickleball, basketball, wall climbing, etc.
    • There are concerts of famous singers. Last year, Taylor Swift came to SDSU Viejas Arena to perform every week some celebrity comes to play concerts; these are generally paid. The free events are also there but only at the beginning of the semester in the first month, in which students could make new friends and explore campus too.

    Fees

    • Fees (Per Semester) - $9908
    • Total course Fees (4 Semesters) - $34000 approx.
    • Insurance (Per year) - $1927
    • Monthly Expenses (off Campus)
    • Rent & Utilities - $620 per month
    • Grocery - $250-280 per month
    • other expenses ( entertainment ) - $50-100 per month
    • Monthly Expenses (On Campus)
    • Rent - $1600 per month
    • Eating - $500 per month
    • Other - $200 per month

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 10/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 10/10
    placement: 8/10
    extracurricular: 8/10

    Overview

    It was a very learning experience for me. I gained a bunch of research opportunities, network with academic professionals via conferences, very supportive professors, ample on-campus job opportunities to help with sustenance.

    Campus Life

    9

    I would highly rate research opportunities at SDSU, especially in engineering department. There were some very strong collaboration with University of Washington Seattle and MIT in our MEMS lab and gave a chance to form very strong research opportunities.

    academic: 7/10
    faculty: 8/10
    infrastructure: 9/10
    accomodation: 8/10
    placement: 2/10

    Overview

    Close to silicon Valley, course structure flexible and adaptable.

    academic: 7/10
    faculty: 6/10
    infrastructure: 9/10
    accomodation: 7/10
    placement: 5/10

    ES
    6.5 /10

    Overview

    San Diego had always been a dream city for me. It's metropolitan but also has chill areas like the beach. It's a state school so as a California resident it was an affordable choice. The college campus is a moderate size and has beautiful architecture. The area the college is in feels like it's own community.

    Fees

    I pay around $6000 a year for my program because it is online. On-campus tuition is closer to $8000 I believe. There are scholarships available for everyone. You pay for each semester. I am paying out of pocket with no scholarships or loans so I don't know much about those. You can pay easily online or in person

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 6/10
    infrastructure: 5/10
    accomodation: 6/10
    placement: 6/10
    extracurricular: 8/10

    H
    10.0 /10

    Overview

    I decided to opt for this particular college because they were giving me the most financial assistance compared to some of the other universities that I got into. It's also a great school in a great location.

    Fees

    So tuition and fees cover an enormous amount of things which also include basic health coverage which is amazing because a lot of universities don't offer that for you. And to have real doctors on campus is such a reassurance.

    academic: 10/10
    faculty: 10/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 10/10
    placement: 10/10
    extracurricular: 10/10

    L
    7.8 /10

    Overview

    Great professors and advisors. I had a previous education experience with them and know their value. I also love that service Learning is a major part of the program. They encourage us to be politically active in our practice.

    Fees

    Tuition is based on block units. 1-6 units cost a certain amount and 7+ is another amount. You also pay for a student representative fee. If you decide to go on a tuition payment plan there is an extra $60 added. Student ID and parking cost money.

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 9/10
    infrastructure: 7/10
    accomodation: 7/10
    placement: 9/10
    extracurricular: 7/10

    Overview

    Because of the coursework and location. The college also had a limited strength in CS so that the professor can focus on individuals

    Campus Life

    10

    The campus life is pretty amazing and SDSU has great events for socializing

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 9/10
    infrastructure: 10/10
    accomodation: 9/10
    placement: 8/10

    San Diego State University Scholarships


    NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
    Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
    Comindware ScholarshipScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyApprenticeshipTypeMerit-Based
    Forktip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
    FINCAD Women in Finance ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
    Jane M. Klausman Women in Business ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
    The Google Lime ScholarshipScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

    View All 21 Scholarships

    Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

    San Diego State University Admissions

    • Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake Deadlines

      Important Date: April15 (Application deadline)
    • Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (For MS Course) Deadlines

      Important Date: February15 (Application deadline)

    San Diego State University Exam Scores

    ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
    Undergraduate
    Duolingo132.5105160-
    Language Proficiency
    PTE745890-
    TOEFL-80120-
    IELTS-6.59-

    Attendance Cost

    $26,146

    attendance cost

    The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

    Tuition fees
    Undergraduate Programs
    $26,146 / Year
    Post Graduate Program
    $11,198 / Year
    Off Campus
    Transportation
    $2,562 / Year
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
    $3,368 / Year
    Books & Supplies
    $1,014 / Year
    Food
    $6,706 / Year
    Housing
    $12,806 / Year

    San Diego State University Accreditations

    Institutional accreditations
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges
    Program wise accreditation
    Arts Programs
    National Association of Schools of Art and Design
    Nursing Programs
    Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    Nursing Programs
    Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
    Physiotherapy Programs
    American Physical Therapy Association
    Psychology Programs
    American Psychological Association
    Clinical Science Programs
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
    Programs
    Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    Programs
    Council on Education for Public Health
    Programs
    National Association of Schools of Theatre

    Faculty

    Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
    2135---

    Comments


    Found 5 Comments

    B
    bhagy patel
    Dec 15, 2024 16:43
    I am intrested to got a addmition in Californian university and my budget is around 30 lacs per year so Plz figure out it and can I have a cpt in nursing in long beach university of California?
    M
    mehakdeep
    Nov 18, 2024 20:47
    Is there credit shift possible?
    A
    anushka gurung
    Jan 11, 2024 19:54

    Can we waive the application fee? What about the scholarships? Can we get a whole ride or cover 80% of the costs? Do ECAs play a supporting role in scholarship?

    L
    Lagan Kapoor
    Jan 13, 2024 19:22

    SDSU offers a variety of scholarships, ranging from need-based to merit-based, and some that cover full tuition or a significant portion of fees. However, check the available scholarships, benefits, and eligibility for the SDSU Scholarships.

    Videos

    interested in this College ?

    Get free counselling