San Diego State University: Is It Worth It?
San Diego, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
9.6
Net Price/Year
$15,364
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$64,909
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Is San Diego State University Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $64,909 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $15,364 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $61,456.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 0.9 years.
The median graduate leaves with $15,000 in debt, which represents about 23%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
36.2%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
35,377
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
77.3%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
90.6%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
794300.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$8,728
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,328
Avg Net Price
$15,364
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego State University worth the money?
Based on federal data, San Diego State University graduates earn a median of $64,909 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $15,000 at graduation. The ROI score is 9.6.
What do San Diego State University graduates earn?
The median earnings for San Diego State University graduates is $52,620 six years after enrollment and $64,909 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?
The acceptance rate at San Diego State University is 36.2%.
How much debt do San Diego State University graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for San Diego State University students is $15,000.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.