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.
Data 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.
San Diego, CA
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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.
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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.
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.
Student life at San Diego State University
23% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
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San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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