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San Diego State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as SDSU
San Diego State University accepts 36% of applicants. It is a public university in San Diego, California, with about 35,377 undergraduates. The sticker price is $32,916 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $13,243.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for SDSU?
Admitly estimates a typical California resident needs about a 3.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 63%.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into San Diego State University by GPA
San Diego State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | California resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 2% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.3 | 6% Reach | 2% Reach |
| 3.5 | 14% Reach | 4% Reach |
| 3.7 | 29% Reach | 11% Reach |
| 3.9 | 52% Target | 24% Reach |
| 4.0 | 63% Target | 34% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at San Diego State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $32,916 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $8,300 | $22,100 |
| $50k – $100k | $10,400 | $24,300 |
| $100k – $150k | $13,500 | $27,400 |
| $150k – $250k | $23,900 | $37,800 |
| Over $250k | $26,100 | $40,000 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about San Diego State University
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego State University?
San Diego State University admits 36% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into San Diego State University?
Admitly estimates a typical California resident needs about a 3.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 63%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for San Diego State University?
San Diego State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores.
How much does San Diego State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $32,916 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $13,243 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $8,300 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at San Diego State University?
78% of students finish their degree, and 91% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to San Diego State University
- University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · admits 33%
- Cal Poly San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA · admits 31%
- University of California, DavisDavis, CA · admits 42%
- University of GeorgiaAthens, GA · admits 38%
- William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA · admits 34%
- Clemson UniversityClemson, SC · admits 38%