San Diego State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
San Diego State’s 36% admit rate is selective, but the bigger shift is that it is test-free: SAT and ACT scores will not be considered. Your target is a strong GPA near or above 3.84, rigorous classes, and a major choice that fits your record.
⬡ LangSmithaa30b11c-63c5-466d-9cdf-226538022a06Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
San Diego State University facts and stats
San Diego State University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 34,637. San Diego State has a 91% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 76%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 24:1. San Diego State uses a test-free admissions policy.
⬡ LangSmith36b7664f-8906-4ecf-830e-60888044e93aSan Diego, CA
How does your GPA compare at San Diego State?
Key San Diego State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
San Diego State is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and do not need to arrive by the November 30 Regular Decision deadline. Any SAT or ACT retakes, including superscoring strategy, only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmithe803e8d4-8656-4000-83fb-0a8ceb797b56Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at San Diego State University?
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What you'll actually pay
San Diego State is a public Mountain West university with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $18,684. About 31% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is April 1.
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At San Diego State, out-of-state tuition is $18,684, compared with $6,084 in-state before room and board. Room and board adds about $17,797, so housing is a major part of the bill for students living on campus. About 31% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $18,278, and the average merit award is $3,811. Graduates leave with an average debt of $19,355.
⬡ LangSmith91112844-613c-4b19-b3bd-322893c51e9fStudent life at San Diego State University
23% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CAAcceptance rate: 33%
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CAAcceptance rate: 31.2%
SAT: 1240–1420
ACT: 28–33
University of California, Davis
Davis, CAAcceptance rate: 41.8%
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CAAcceptance rate: 28.8%
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