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Report Card
For the most part, instructors at SDSU are very cool about understanding about students needs. They are aware that students have lives outside of their classroom, jobs, and various other obligations.
- anonymous on Academics at San Diego State University
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Overall Experience

San Diego State - San Diego, CA

Photo by Allan Ferguson.
Used under Creative Commons.

Nearly all San Diego State students are pleased with their decision to attend school here. They find that SDSU offers the perfect mix of stellar academics and a booming social life. With the beauty of the campus, the quality of the teaching, and the fun social environment, it is difficult to dislike much about the school, but some do. Those who tend to dislike San Diego State have reservations about the social scene, which is heavily conducive to partying and Greek life. This is a misconception. SDSU offers a lot, including partying, and the school is truly what you make of it. As long as people don’t hold a grudge against the sort of environment that offers partying as an activity many choose to participate in, they will enjoy their time here. San Diego State is a very well-rounded school that has a lot to offer to a variety of students, but if you are searching for a strictly academic experience in a university with a prestigious reputation, you should look elsewhere.

San Diego State is essentially defined by its social culture, and if students relate to it, they love the school, and if they don’t, they can loathe their time here. I have heard from numerous people about what a wonderful experience it is coming to San Diego State from their respective hometowns. The school allows for horizons to be expanded and eyes to be opened due to its engrossing academic and social atmosphere. The social scene is strong here, and if you’re looking to learn a lot about people and how they work together, this school is a great fit for you. Some grievances with the school deal with the availability of classes and the inconvenience of impacted majors. Some majors require that you take course A before course B, and when you go to register for the semester, course A can be full. This frustration is well understood and it can be counteracted by planning ahead. While schools such as UC San Diego may have stronger academic reputations, San Diego State is by far the most effective university in San Diego, as it offers a chance for students to develop both their academic and social skills in a real-world setting.

By The Numbers

General Information:
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182

Control:
Public

Academic Calendar:
Semester

Religious Affiliation:
None

Founded:
1897

Web Site:
Main Phone:
(619) 594-5200

Full-Time Undergraduates:
21,630

Part-Time Undergraduates:
5,223

Total Male Undergraduates:
11,150

Total Female Undergraduates:
15,703

Overall Acceptance Rate:
47%

Early Decision Acceptance Rate:
Not offered

Early Action Acceptance Rate:
Not offered

Total Applicants:
33,334

Total Acceptances:
15,830

Freshman Enrollment:
4,140

Yield (% of admitted students who actually enroll):
26%

Regular Decision Deadline:
November 30

Must-Reply-By Date:
May 1

Transfer Applications Received:
10,375

Transfer Applications Accepted:
5,412

Transfer Students Enrolled:
3,406

Transfer Application Acceptance Rate:
52%

SAT I or ACT Required?:
Either

SAT I Range (25th–75th Percentile):
970–1180

SAT I Verbal Range (25th–75th Percentile):
480–580

SAT I Math Range (25th–75th Percentile):
490–600

Freshman Retention Rate:
81%

Application Fee:
$55

Common Application Accepted?:
No

Supplemental Forms?:
Yes

Admissions Phone:
(619) 594-6336

Admissions E-Mail:
Admissions Web Site:
In-State Tuition:
$2,520

Out-of-State Tuition:
$12,690

Room and Board:
$9,849

Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package (including loans, grants, work study, and other sources):
$8,500

Students Who Applied for Financial Aid:
62%

Applicants Who Received Financial Aid:
70%

Financial Aid Forms Deadline:
March 2

Financial Aid Phone:
(619) 594-6323

Financial Aid E-Mail:
Financial Aid Web Site:

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