San Diego State University Tuition 2025
If you are interested in studying at San Diego State University, you’re in luck. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the tuition, fees, and financial aid available.
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system and was founded in 1897. SDSU has over 37,000 students and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It holds the “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” classification and offers a variety of academic programs.
San Diego State University Tuition
In-state tuition at San Diego State University is $8,198, while out-of-state tuition is $20,078. These costs are below the national averages. Additionally, the total cost including room, board, and other expenses is $31,484 for in-state students and $43,364 for out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarships can impact these costs.
San Diego State University Financial Aid Statistics
San Diego State University awarded an average need-based scholarship or grant of $10,701 to first-year students. Additionally, 49% of first-year students received financial aid based on need. The university met 55% of its students’ financial aid needs.
Scholarships
There are need-based and merit-based scholarships available at San Diego State University. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic or athletic achievements. International students can also apply for scholarships to help with their educational expenses.
Does Santiago State University Accept Applications for Scholarship From International Students?
San Diego State University accepts applications for additional funding from international students. Applying through Cal State Apply can lead to a 25% tuition discount for international students.
With a 38% acceptance rate, San Diego State University is selective in its admissions process. Standardized test scores and GPA are important factors in the admissions decision.
Visit the school website for more detailed information on tuition and financial aid.
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FAQs
What is the yearly tuition cost for in-state undergraduate students at SDSU?
For the 2025–25 academic year, in-state undergraduates paid approximately $8,728 in basic tuition and fees for two semesters of full-time enrollment—meaning a roughly 9-month academic year.
How much do out-of-state or international undergraduate students pay in tuition at SDSU?
Out-of-state and international undergraduates are charged the in-state base tuition plus an additional $420 per unit. Typically, taking 15 units each semester would add up to about $12,600 extra per academic year in tuition alone. On top of that, those students pay an “Out-of-State and International Student Fee” of around $2,000 per year.
What are the estimated total annual costs of attending SDSU beyond just tuition?
For the 2025–25 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance (which includes tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses) for in-state undergraduates living on campus is about $36,090. If living off campus, it’s around $32,722; and if living with parents, closer to $23,706. sacd.sdsu.edu
Have tuition rates been increasing at SDSU, and what are future trends?
Yes—SDSU is part of the California State University (CSU) system, which began implementing a 6 % annual tuition increase starting in the 2025–25 year. That increase raised full-time undergrad tuition from about $5,742 to $6,084 prior to adding campus fees. The plan is for annual hikes to continue for the next several years
