San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California, founded in 1897 and part of the California State University system. The university ranks #109 in the US News National Universities list 2025-2026 and #52 among US public schools, placing it firmly on the shortlist for Indian graduate applicants who want a California public campus without Ivy fees.
The San Diego State University campus offers over 200 degree programmes across seven colleges, taught entirely in English. Roughly 2,500 international students enrol each year, with Indian nationals concentrated in MS Computer Science, MS Business Analytics, MS Information Systems and the Fowler MBA, joining under two annual intakes each August (Fall) and January (Spring). Applicants can also explore other MS universities in USA for wider comparison.
- US News National ranking: #109 (2025-2026)
- Acceptance rate: 35% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Annual PG tuition (2026-2027): USD 25,902 (INR 24.80 lakh)
- International students enrolled: 2,500+
- Median MS starting salary: USD 75,000 (INR 71.82 lakh, market estimate)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Non-resident tuition is charged at USD 471 per unit plus a fixed international fee of USD 1,554 per semester, revised annually by the CSU Board of Trustees. Indian applicants must provide certified financial documentation for the F-1 visa, and STEM-designated study in USA pathways at SDSU carry the standard 12-month OPT extendable by 24 months for eligible programmes.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.76 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). The Cal State Apply portal opened 1 August 2026 and formal submission begins 1 October 2026, with programme-specific deadlines expected around March 2027 (verify with each department). A limited Spring 2027 window for select programmes closes 31 August 2026, with all transcripts due 15 September 2026.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and SDSU Fees 2027
- San Diego State University Admission 2027
- San Diego State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- San Diego State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- SDSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- San Diego State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- San Diego State University Scholarships 2027
- San Diego State University Rankings 2027
- San Diego State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- San Diego State University vs Peer Universities
- San Diego State University FAQs
Popular Courses and SDSU Fees 2027
SDSU fees for international graduate students follow a unit-based structure: USD 471 per unit in non-resident tuition, plus basic tuition and an out-of-state fee bundled at USD 12,951 per semester for full-time (12+ units) enrolment in 2026-2027. Most master’s programmes require 30 to 33 units across two academic years, which brings the standard two-year MS cost to USD 25,902 per year, or USD 51,804 total before living expenses.
Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at San Diego State University
The table below lists the postgraduate programmes Indian applicants apply to most often. All totals reflect the 2026-2027 standard graduate rate for full-time non-resident students; Fowler MBA carries additional programme fees confirmed on the Fowler College schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Duration | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Business Analytics | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Big Data Analytics | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Information Systems | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | BE or BTech with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MPH Public Health | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Regulatory Science | USD 51,804 | INR 49.61 lakh | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Accountancy | USD 32,378 | INR 31.01 lakh | 1.25 years | Bachelor’s in commerce with 60% (recommended) |
| Fowler MBA | From USD 51,804 base; confirm on Fowler College fee schedule | From INR 49.61 lakh (base) | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 60% plus GMAT or GRE (recommended) |
Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at San Diego State University
Undergraduate international students pay USD 12,096 per semester, or USD 24,192 per year, over the standard 4-year bachelor’s timeline for a total of USD 96,768 (INR 92.65 lakh). Class 12 percentage bands below are recommended cut-offs cross-checked from Indian-applicant intake patterns.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Duration | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | USD 96,768 | INR 92.65 lakh | 4 years | Class 12 with 80% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | USD 96,768 | INR 92.65 lakh | 4 years | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Engineering | USD 96,768 | INR 92.65 lakh | 4 years | Class 12 PCM with 80% (recommended) |
| BS Psychology | USD 96,768 | INR 92.65 lakh | 4 years | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | USD 96,768 | INR 92.65 lakh | 4 years | Class 12 PCB with 80% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants concentrate in MS Computer Science, MS Business Analytics and the Fowler MBA at San Diego State University, driven by the OPT extension for STEM designations and San Diego’s biotech and defence tech hiring corridor.
Read More: SDSU Programs and Fees Guide
San Diego State University Admission 2027
San Diego State University admission runs two intakes each year: Fall (August) is the primary cycle for Indian applicants, while Spring (January) accepts a smaller pool of programmes. Graduate applicants apply directly through the Cal State Apply portal with programme-specific deadlines set by each department.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Cal State Apply opens (Fall 2027) | 1 August 2026 | Create account and begin drafting the application |
| Application submission begins (Fall 2027) | 1 October 2026 | Programme-specific deadlines apply after this date |
| Programme deadlines (Fall 2027) | Expected March 2027 (based on prior cycle, varies by programme) | STEM and business departments often close earlier; verify with each department |
| Credential verification (WES or IERF) | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Required for foreign bachelor’s degrees |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | New international student orientation held first week |
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should complete WES or IERF credential evaluation by December 2026, since SDSU cannot process the I-20 for the F-1 visa until departmental review completes on the full transcript file.
Read More: San Diego State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
San Diego State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
San Diego State University admission requirements set a floor of 3.0 GPA (about 80% or CGPA 8.0/10) for graduate applicants, with English proficiency mandatory unless the bachelor’s degree was earned entirely in an English-medium country.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.0 (80% or CGPA 8.0/10 recommended). Three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees are accepted if fully completed before application filing.
- English proficiency (verbatim from official page): TOEFL iBT 4 (1-6 scale, on or after 21 January 2026) or TOEFL iBT 80 (0-120 legacy scale, before 21 January 2026); IELTS 6.5; PTE 58; Duolingo English Test 105.
- Credential verification: International Education Research Foundation (IERF) or World Education Services (WES) course-by-course evaluation is required.
- Standout requirement: Fowler MBA and MS Accountancy require GMAT or GRE scores; most STEM MS programmes waive GRE but confirm at the department page.
Undergraduate Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 completion with 75% to 85% recommended, plus SDSU’s eligibility index calculation based on grades and any submitted test scores.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95 (undergraduate minimums differ from graduate).
Key insight: Indian applicants with a bachelor’s from an English-medium Indian university are frequently granted an English test waiver, but the waiver is not automatic. Attach the medium-of-instruction letter to the application and email the international office before the deadline.
San Diego State University Acceptance Rate 2027
The San Diego State University acceptance rate sits at approximately 35% (estimated) across recent cycles, making it a moderately selective public research campus. SDSU does not publish an official international-only acceptance rate, so the figure below is derived from third-party admissions data across recent Fall cohorts.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 35% (estimated) | Stable |
| Fall 2024 | 36% (estimated) | Marginal tightening |
| Fall 2023 | 38% (estimated) | Baseline |
Rates for graduate STEM programmes are typically lower than the university-wide figure, especially for MS Computer Science and MS Business Analytics. Indian applicants competing for Fall 2027 seats should treat the departmental cut-off as the practical benchmark.
Reality check: A 35% institution-wide acceptance rate does not translate to programme-level odds. MS Computer Science at San Diego State University is significantly more competitive, with GPA 3.3 and quantitative preparation acting as the real screen for Indian applicants.
SDSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at San Diego State University lands between USD 48,000 and USD 52,000 (INR 45.96 to 49.79 lakh), combining tuition of USD 25,902 with living expenses of USD 23,000 to USD 26,500 per year.
San Diego State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-2027
SDSU fees for international students are unit-driven, and the full-time (12+ units) semester bundle is the reference figure for most Indian applicants.
| Level | Per Semester (USD) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (international, full-time) | USD 12,096 | USD 24,192 | INR 23.16 lakh |
| Graduate (international, full-time) | USD 12,951 | USD 25,902 | INR 24.80 lakh |
| Non-resident tuition per unit | USD 471 | Varies by enrolment | INR 45,103 per unit |
[Source: SDSU Bursar’s Office]
Monthly Cost of Living in San Diego for Indian Students
San Diego is one of the higher-cost California metros. The figures below are market estimates cross-checked from student surveys, since SDSU does not publish an itemised cost-of-living breakdown.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment near campus) | USD 900 to 1,300 (estimated) | INR 0.86 to 1.24 lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | USD 350 to 500 (estimated) | INR 0.34 to 0.48 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (MTS student pass) | USD 60 to 100 (estimated) | INR 0.06 to 0.10 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 to 150 (estimated) | INR 0.10 to 0.14 lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and health insurance | USD 400 to 500 (estimated) | INR 0.38 to 0.48 lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | USD 1,810 to 2,550 (estimated) | INR 1.73 to 2.44 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | USD 21,720 to 30,600 (estimated) | INR 20.80 to 29.30 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: SDSU student surveys and San Diego market rental data, {year} guidance]
Insider note: Rents in the College Area (adjacent to campus) run 20% cheaper than downtown San Diego. Indian students on tight budgets typically share 2BHK units for USD 700 to 900 per person and use the MTS trolley Green Line, which runs directly through campus.
Read More: Cost of Living for Indian Students Planning to Study in USA
San Diego State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main San Diego State University campus spans 288 acres in the Mission Valley area of San Diego, about 15 minutes from Downtown and 20 minutes from the Pacific coast via the MTS trolley Green Line (the city’s light-rail system that connects to the university’s dedicated on-campus station).
- Location and transport: The MTS trolley Green Line has a dedicated SDSU station, giving international students step-free access to Downtown San Diego and Old Town without a car.
- Housing: On-campus housing runs USD 12,000 to 16,000 per academic year (estimated); housing is guaranteed for first-year undergraduates and available on a lottery basis for graduate students.
- Notable facility: The Aztec Recreation Center offers full-service gym, pool and climbing wall included in mandatory student fees.
- Indian student community: The Indian Student Association hosts Diwali, Holi and Republic Day events, and the campus has a dedicated Interfaith Center with meditation and prayer space.
What Indian students say: Peer feedback consistently highlights three points: San Diego’s mild weather removes the winter-clothing budget most Midwest campuses require, the College Area has strong Indian grocery access, and the MTS student pass makes weekend beach trips practical without owning a car.
San Diego State University Scholarships 2027
San Diego State University scholarships for international graduate students run through a mix of central Aztec Scholarships portal awards, departmental teaching or research assistantships, and the College of Graduate Studies fellowship pool. Most awards are open to Indian applicants but few carry an India-specific carve-out.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aztec Scholarships (700+ awards) | Merit and need | Varies by award (verify at official portal) | Enrolled international students | Spring annually (verify) |
| Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship | Assistantship | Tuition waiver plus stipend (verify at official URL) | Departmental nomination; strong academic record | Rolling with programme |
| Graduate Equity Fellowship | Diversity-focused | Amount not published (verify at official URL) | Underrepresented graduate students | Annual (verify) |
| Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship | Research | Amount not published (verify at official URL) | Doctoral and research-track master’s students | Annual (verify) |
| University Graduate Fellowship | Merit | Amount not published (verify at official URL) | Departmentally nominated candidates | Annual (verify) |
[Source: SDSU College of Graduate Studies]
Planning note: Assistantships are the most reliable funding route for Indian applicants at SDSU, since they combine a tuition waiver with a monthly stipend. Contact the target department at least 2 to 3 months before the application deadline to signal interest and confirm assistantship availability for the incoming cohort.
San Diego State University Rankings 2027
San Diego State University’s strongest ranking is #109 in the US News National Universities table and #52 among US public schools for 2025-2026, both stable year-on-year. Global rankings sit in the mid-tier band across QS, THE and ARWU, reflecting SDSU’s teaching focus over research output.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: #1201-1400 | 2026: #1001-1200 | Verify prior edition at QS official |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: #1001-1200 | Verify prior edition at THE official | Verify prior edition at THE official |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2025-2026: #932 (Global), #134 (USA) | Verify prior edition at US News | Verify prior edition at US News |
| ARWU Shanghai Rankings | 2025: #501-600 | 2024: #501-600 | 2023: #601-700 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | 2026: #513 (Global), #251 (USA) | NA | NA |
Collegedunia Study Abroad subject ranks 2026 place San Diego State University at #94 (USA) in Medicine and Health Care, #124 (USA) in Computer Science, and #134 (USA) in Engineering. THE subject rankings 2026 additionally place SDSU in the #301-400 band for Education Studies and Psychology, its two strongest global subject positions.
Key insight: The US News National #109 rank is the ranking Indian recruiters and US employers weigh most heavily when evaluating SDSU degrees, since it reflects US graduate outcomes directly. The QS 1201-1400 band matters less for F-1 visa or job market decisions and more for European PhD applications.
Read More: San Diego State University Rankings Analysis
San Diego State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
San Diego State University graduates enter a metro with strong biotech, defence tech and tourism industries, and the SDSU Career Services office runs employer connect events across all seven colleges.
- Median starting salary (MS graduates): USD 75,000 to USD 95,000 (INR 71.82 to 90.98 lakh, market estimate)
- Median post-MBA salary (Fowler MBA): USD 85,000 to USD 110,000 (INR 81.40 to 105.34 lakh, market estimate)
- Top recruiting sectors: Technology, biotech and pharma, defence and aerospace, financial services, healthcare (representative sectors, not an exhaustive employer list)
- Career support: One-to-one advising, resume clinics, on-campus career fairs each semester and a dedicated international student career track through the SDSU Career Services centre
- Post-study work visa: Standard 12-month OPT for all F-1 graduates, extendable by 24 months for STEM-designated programmes such as MS Computer Science and MS Business Analytics (see study in USA visa overview)
Insider note: Indian graduates in STEM MS programmes at SDSU report the strongest placement outcomes when they use the 3-year total OPT window (1 year plus 24-month STEM extension) to stack H-1B lottery attempts, which is the standard playbook across California public universities.
San Diego State University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below covers other California and western US public universities Indian applicants weigh against San Diego State University at the postgraduate application stage.
| University | QS World 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | One-line Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University | #1201-1400 | USD 25,902 | INR 24.80 lakh | Balanced STEM and business focus with San Diego biotech corridor access |
| San Jose State University | Not ranked in QS World | USD 24,000 (estimated) | INR 22.98 lakh (estimated) | Silicon Valley placement pipeline for tech MS programmes |
| Cal State Long Beach | Not ranked in QS World | USD 20,000 (estimated) | INR 19.15 lakh (estimated) | Lower fees among CSU public campuses |
| Arizona State University | Verify at QS 2027 | USD 32,000 (estimated) | INR 30.64 lakh (estimated) | Larger research portfolio and R1 designation |
| University of Nevada Las Vegas | Verify at QS 2027 | USD 28,000 (estimated) | INR 26.81 lakh (estimated) | Lower cost-of-living metro with growing STEM presence |
San Diego State University stands out on two dimensions: the US News National #109 ranking (a stronger indicator of US employability than QS band), and San Diego’s biotech and defence tech hiring corridor that pulls MS Computer Science and MS Business Analytics cohorts into paid internships from Year 1.
Compared against ASU or UC campuses, SDSU trades research prestige for a lower fee tier and a more predictable teaching-focused experience, which suits Indian applicants prioritising OPT-year job outcomes over doctoral pathways.
San Diego State University fits Indian applicants who want a California public campus with mid-tier fees (INR 24.80 lakh per year tuition), STEM-eligible MS programmes and a proven OPT playbook, and who read median MS salaries of USD 75,000 as a strong return on the 2-year investment. The STEM OPT extension pathway means universities in USA like SDSU are especially attractive to Indian engineering graduates.
SDSU is not the right fit for research-track applicants targeting top-100 QS rankings, competitive PhD funding or Ivy-adjacent brand recognition. Those applicants should compare Arizona State University or UC campuses, where research output and global rank sit materially higher.
San Diego State University FAQs
Ques. What is the average tuition cost for MS at San Diego State University?
Ans. The standard MS tuition at SDSU is USD 25,902 per year (INR 24.80 lakh) for full-time international students enrolled in 12 or more units per semester. A typical 2-year MS programme totals USD 51,804 (INR 49.61 lakh) before living expenses. Fowler MBA and other specialised programmes may charge additional programme fees on top of the base rate, so confirm the exact total with the target department before applying.
Ques. How long does OPT last for SDSU international graduates?
Ans. All F-1 graduates from San Diego State University are eligible for the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training window after programme completion. STEM-designated master’s programmes, including MS Computer Science, MS Business Analytics, MS Data Science and MS Electrical Engineering, qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing the total work authorisation window to 3 years and covering multiple H-1B lottery cycles.
Ques. Can Indian students with three-year bachelor degrees apply to SDSU?
Ans. Yes, San Diego State University accepts three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for graduate admission, but only if the degree is fully completed before the application filing period begins. Applicants still enrolled in a three-year bachelor’s at the point of filing are considered ineligible. WES or IERF course-by-course credential evaluation is required to confirm the degree equivalency for SDSU review.
Ques. Does San Diego State University waive GRE for MS programmes?
Ans. Most STEM MS programmes at SDSU, including MS Computer Science and MS Business Analytics, waive the GRE requirement for Indian applicants with a strong bachelor’s GPA of 3.3 or higher. The Fowler MBA and MS Accountancy programmes still require GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants should check the target department page before applying, since waivers are set at the programme level and revised each admissions cycle.
Ques. Are IELTS scores accepted for SDSU graduate admission?
Ans. Yes, SDSU accepts IELTS with a minimum overall band of 6.5 for graduate admission across all colleges. TOEFL iBT is also accepted at a minimum score of 4 on the new 1-6 scale (for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026) or 80 on the legacy 0-120 scale (for earlier tests). PTE at 58 and Duolingo English Test at 105 are the two other accepted alternatives.
Ques. What English test waivers exist for Indian applicants at SDSU?
Ans. Indian applicants can request an English proficiency waiver at San Diego State University if their bachelor’s degree was completed entirely in English-medium instruction. The waiver is not automatic and requires an official medium-of-instruction letter from the awarding university. Applicants should email the SDSU international admissions office at least 6 weeks before the deadline to confirm waiver eligibility before submitting the full application.
Ques. How much does San Diego State University charge as application fee?
Ans. The Cal State Apply application fee is USD 70 per programme (approximately INR 6,703), and the fee is non-refundable regardless of admission outcome. Applicants applying to multiple SDSU programmes pay the USD 70 fee for each application. Some programmes may charge an additional supplemental application fee for departmental review, so confirm the total with the target department before submitting.
Ques. Which loan providers recognise SDSU for education loans?
Ans. Most Indian public sector banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank recognise San Diego State University for education loans under standard USA-study schemes. Private lenders such as HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred and Auxilo also underwrite SDSU applicants with sanction letters that satisfy the F-1 visa financial documentation requirement. Loan sanction turnaround typically runs 2 to 4 weeks after I-20 receipt.
San Diego State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 2 years | USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | TOEFL- 4 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 105 | PTE- 58 | ||
MBA 2 years | USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105 | - | |
| USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105 | - | ||
M.S Bioengineering 2 years | USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105 | - | |
M.S Big Data Analytics 2 years | USD 17,852 /Yr | 70 | GPA 3.2, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105 | - | |
M.S Cybersecurity Management 2 years | USD 17,454 /Yr | 70 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105 | - | |
MS Information Systems 2 years | USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105 | - | |
| USD 24,114 /Yr | 70 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105 | - | ||
M.S Epidemiology 2 years | USD 18,786 /Yr | 70 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(4), IELTS(6.5), Duolingo-105 | - | |
M.B.A International Business 2 years | USD 11,372 /Yr | 70 | IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 4, PTE- 58, Duolingo- 105 | - |
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San Diego State University comparison
| University Name | San Diego State University | San Francisco State University | Santa Clara University | University of Arizona | University of California | San Jose State University | University of San Diego |
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| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.3 Out of 10 | 7.3 Out of 10 | 4.7 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 36.0 % | 90.0 % | 44.0 % | 86.0 % | 0.0 % | 85.0 % | 47.0 % |
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Overall 513 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 1001 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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San Diego State University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
10 Reviews Found
Likes
- SDSU offers specialization options in whichever feild you are intrested in.
- SDSU gives flexiblility in completion of masters degree in 2 to 3 years
- It offers wide benefits to students for free like weekly groceries, gym, sports, bowling alley, gaming zones and more
Dislikes
- Campus is located on a hill which has no flat roads, driving is little difficult here.
- Parking is only free for staff, students need to buy monthly pass
- On campass cafe and restaurents provide expensive food
Campus Life
- 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.
Likes
- Flexible Schedules
- Online access
- University Resources for students(softwares, journal access, google accounts with unlimited storage)
Dislikes
- Expensive living arrangements (preferably find off campus housing)
- You have to be on top of your own course requirements (No one is going to lookout for you)
- International Students can only work part-time during their course-work where as local students can work full time even during their course-work, which is worse because international students pay more tuition fee for the same course in comparison to local students
Campus Life
- 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)
Likes
- Diversity (People from multiple countries study here)
- Course content (Advanced courses)
- Full time job opportunities (After graduation)
Dislikes
- Open campus (Homeless people roaming around in the campus)
- Less Indians
- No free transportation for students
Campus Life
- 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.
Likes
- Very Beautiful and Safe Campus
- Faculty is helpful and have great knowledge about courses they teach
- Lot of on Campus opportunities
Dislikes
- Not lot of companies come for career fair in CS but there are a lot of construction companies that come in career fair.
- You may see Homeless people but not in main areas of campus and Police is always there so it is safe.
Campus Life
- 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
Likes
- College in proximity with lots of startups and industries in the field of biomedical engineering, affordable fees.
- Lots of research opportunities across different fields, very experienced professors to provide guidance in research fields, very active on-campus groups and activities, great location, affordable cost of attendance
Dislikes
- Very few on-campus opportunities to network with industry partners, lesser academic scholarship opportunities available (at least in engineering fields) as compared to other California universities, no independent PhD degree provided by SDSU
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
The campus life is pretty amazing and SDSU has great events for socializing
San Diego State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
View All 21 Scholarships
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San Diego State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
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)
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
San Diego State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2135 | - | - | - |
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Comments
Found 5 Comments
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?
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.