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San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA

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 does San Diego State University offer in terms of athletics?

San Diego State University maintains a robust athletic program competing primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mountain West Conference. The university fields a diverse range of varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, among others. Its athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, have a history of competitive success and have produced several athletes who advanced to professional leagues.

The football program at San Diego State has garnered particular attention, enjoying strong support and consistently competing at a high level within its conference. The men's and women's basketball teams also play prominent roles in the university's athletics scene, often qualifying for postseason tournaments.

In addition to varsity sports, the university supports numerous club and intramural sports that offer students opportunities to engage in competitive and recreational activities outside the varsity level. Athletes have access to well-maintained facilities and resources designed to support their development and performance.

San Diego State emphasizes a balance between athletics and academics, fostering an environment where student-athletes are encouraged to excel in both domains. This integration enhances the overall college experience for those involved in sports programs at the university.

What student groups and Associations are available at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests and professional aspirations. Notable organizations include the Weber Honors College, the American Marketing Association, Women in Business, and various social fraternities and sororities. Additionally, students can join the Andres Bonifacio Samahan, which fosters cultural engagement.

The university's social organizations engage a significant portion of the student body. With approximately 11% of male students and 12% of female students participating, these groups play an important role in campus life and community building for its 13,472 male and 18,041 female students respectively.

Who studies at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University hosts a notably large student body, with total enrollment reaching 11,380 students, placing it among the top 5% of universities by size. Both incoming freshmen and transfer students contribute significantly to this population, with 6,162 freshmen and 5,218 transfer students, each group ranking very high nationwide in volume.

The student demographic at the university is diverse in age, primarily concentrated in the traditional college age ranges. Among undergraduates, the majority are between 18 and 21 years old, with 11,658 aged 18-19 and 11,744 aged 20-21. Graduate students tend to be slightly older, with many between 22 and 34 years of age. Overall, younger adults dominate the campus, but a substantial number of students fall into older age brackets up to 64 years and beyond, reflecting inclusivity toward non-traditional students.

Regarding geographic origins, most students are from within California, with 75% being in-state, a figure that ranks in the top 40% nationally. Out-of-state students make up 23%, which is comparatively lower, placing the institution in the lower 45% for this group. International representation is modest, with foreign students coming from about two countries on average, positioning the university below the national median for international diversity.

Ethnic diversity is a prominent feature of the student body. Hispanic students form the largest group with 12,493 individuals, a presence that ranks in the top 5% among universities nationally. White students are nearly as numerous at 11,569 and also rank very high. The Asian student population is substantial, with 4,563 students, placing the university among the top 5% for this demographic. African American students number 1,187, representing a high level of representation, while students identifying with two or more races total 2,592, another high-ranking figure. Other groups such as Native American and Pacific Islander students are present in moderate numbers. Additionally, a sizeable number of students, 1,195, do not report their ethnicity, a common occurrence in large institutions.

How does student life look like at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers a vibrant student life supported by a variety of cultural and creative outlets, including campus newspaper, drama productions, radio station, band, chorus, and television. With a sizeable campus spanning 560 acres, students have access to extensive resources and diverse extracurricular activities.

The university provides comprehensive support services such as legal assistance, a health clinic, psychological counseling, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center, enhancing the well-being and success of its student population. The student body is large and diverse, with nearly 40,000 enrolled students, including a high proportion of full-time degree-seeking men and women, placing it in the top tier nationally for enrollment size and engagement.

San Diego State University competes in NCAA athletics, offering students opportunities to participate in or support collegiate sports within a nationally recognized association. The student-faculty ratio is notably high at 24: 1, which may impact class sizes and access to faculty, yet reflects the university's significant scale.

What libraries are available to students at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University offers its students access to the San Diego State University Library, the sole library on campus. While the university maintains only one library, its collection size and digital resources rank highly in comparison to many peers. The library houses over 1.2 million physical books and more than 1.2 million ebooks, placing it in the top 25% for these categories nationally.

The university also provides a substantial number of subscriptions, including over 46,000 in total and approximately 459,000 digital subscriptions, both ranking within the top 20 to 30 percent nationwide. The variety of databases available at the library totals 601, reflecting an average level of resources in this aspect. Students benefit from full physical and digital access to the collections, including study rooms and all-day access facilities.

Service hours amount to 168 per week, supported by trained staff and established operational schedules. Additionally, students have access to shared collections, enhancing the available materials beyond what is held solely by San Diego State University Library. This blend of robust book and digital resources, combined with physical amenities, provides a supportive academic environment for students.

San Diego State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

39373

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

6539

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1082 full time, 1140 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

San Diego State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

San Diego State University Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

San Diego State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

San Diego State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

San Diego State University Location & Map

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