by our College Data Analytics TeamIs SDSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SDSU is ranked #1,179 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within California, it ranks #127 of 304 for value.
Among the majors SDSU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Other International Relations & National Security Studies | #3 of 12 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #11 of 34 |
| Health Communication | #11 of 34 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs | #12 of 30 |
| Urban Studies | #12 of 30 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #12 of 30 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | #19 of 42 |
| Athletic Training | #19 of 42 |
| International Business | #20 of 106 |
| International Business/Trade/Commerce | #20 of 106 |
Below is the detailed SDSU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
San Diego State University is ranked #21 out of #346 in California for quality and #127 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SDSU financial aid page to be sure.
San Diego State University is ranked #1,179 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
San Diego State University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SDSU costs about $20,854. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $83,414 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $27,044 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $15,364 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $20,854 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,414 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about SDSU net price and the factors that affect it.
What SDSU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SDSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $108,176 | — | — |
| All Students | $83,414 | #1,179 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $61,456 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $108,176 | — | — |
| All Students | $83,414 | #127 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $61,456 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SDSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,655 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,241 |
| $48K–$75K | $14,205 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,176 |
| Over $110K | $24,913 |
About 53% of SDSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $11,851 per year. Get more details on the SDSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the SDSU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.