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San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA

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San Diego State University award
San Diego State University award
US ranking
position: 72
Tuition & fees per year: $9,180
Acceptance rate: 34.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,235
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What are the graduation rates for students at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University exhibits strong overall graduation outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 78%, placing it within the top 15% nationally. The four-year graduation rate is notably high as well, at 57%, ranking in the top 30% of institutions nationwide. This suggests that a majority of students are likely to complete their degree within a reasonable timeframe.

Retention rates also underscore student success, with 90% of first-year students continuing their studies into the following year, a figure that again ranks in the upper echelon of comparable universities.

The graduation rates show variation by gender. Women at San Diego State University graduate at a higher rate of 82%, compared to 74% for men, both figures being in the top 15% percentile range. This indicates a somewhat stronger academic persistence and completion among female students.

These statistics collectively illustrate San Diego State University's capacity to support students toward timely degree completion more effectively than many other institutions.

What is the earning potential for graduates at San Diego State University?

Graduates from San Diego State University experience a wide range of earnings depending on their field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in engineering and computer-related disciplines. For example, graduates in Computer Engineering earn approximately $73,334 annually, while those in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering follow closely with $72,385. Construction Engineering Technologies graduates enjoy average earnings of $79,248, and Mechanical Engineering majors make about $65,965. Additionally, Computer Science graduates see strong earning potential with an average income of $62,997, and Civil Engineering graduates earn around $63,495.

In the technology sphere, graduates with a degree in Computer and Information Sciences earn roughly $52,355, and those in Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering make $54,240. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering holders earn near $61,870, highlighting the university's strength in technical and engineering education.

Business-related programs also offer considerable financial prospects. Graduates in Accounting and Related Services earn an average of $47,197, Finance and Financial Management Services graduates earn about $47,713, and Marketing majors receive around $44,228. Hospitality Administration/Management graduates report earnings near $43,577, while International Business graduates make roughly $41,595. Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earn an average of $38,950, demonstrating solid returns across the business disciplines.

Science and mathematics graduates earn moderately, with Chemistry majors averaging $40,950 and Economics graduates making about $42,818. Applied Mathematics graduates report earnings near $45,625, while Statistics graduates take in approximately $37,895. Biology graduates earn around $33,006, and graduates in Geological and Earth Sciences see about $38,297.

Social sciences and communication fields provide more varied outcomes. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn an average of $37,838, whereas Communication and Media Studies majors make close to $34,509. Journalism graduates earn about $33,791, and Social Work graduates bring in $34,581. Criminal Justice and Corrections majors earn roughly $31,547, and Political Science and Government graduates make about $30,004. Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn $31,838 and $26,106 respectively.

Several liberal arts degrees offer more modest earnings. For instance, English Language and Literature graduates earn about $24,209, and Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates receive approximately $26,059. History majors earn $27,033, while Psychology graduates make around $25,695. Fine and Studio Arts and Drama/Theatre Arts graduates earn $22,994 and $23,178 respectively, with Music graduates earning near $17,224.

Degrees related to health and education include Registered Nursing graduates who earn substantially, averaging $89,225 per year-the highest across all listed programs. Nutrition Sciences and Dietetics graduates earn $27,639, while Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates earn about $24,520. Communication Disorders Sciences graduates report earnings of $23,879, and Public Administration graduates make around $34,977.

San Diego State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 78%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 57%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 78%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

San Diego State University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 21

Part time employees: 1

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Resume preparation
  • Career/Interest testing
  • Interview workshop
  • Alumni network

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

San Diego State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Natural Resources and Conservation

603999

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

31940

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

382166548

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

35170205

Education

1371138

Engineering

171600771

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

21416

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

601979

English Language and Literature/Letters

8329112

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

20918227

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

21489303

Mathematics and Statistics

4954103

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

253101354

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

222149371

Philosophy and Religious Studies

211233

Physical Sciences

6662128

Psychology

506124630

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

236166402

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

13542177

Social Sciences

366334700

Visual and Performing Arts

244102346

Health Professions and Related Programs

43289521

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

102111382159

History

334780

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Architecture and Related Services

12921

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

516

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

28634

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

214768

Education

43995534

Engineering

194463

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

81018

English Language and Literature/Letters

241943

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

8816

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

201434

Mathematics and Statistics

152035

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

13518

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

156

Philosophy and Religious Studies

235

Physical Sciences

11819

Psychology

331043

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

14131172

Social Sciences

453782

Visual and Performing Arts

211132

Health Professions and Related Programs

18530215

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

184148332

History

4913

DOCTOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Education

38947

Engineering

167

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

448

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

156

Physical Sciences

134

Psychology

11314

Social Sciences

549

Health Professions and Related Programs

19928

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