1897
San Diego, CA

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU), founded in 1897, has a rich history of serving the community. With over 400,000 alums and counting, SDSU is committed to providing high-quality education and solving real-world problems through teaching, research, and service. 

The university’s Global Campus offers online degree programs to meet your schedule. Students can complete a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online as well as online offerings such as:

  • Online Certificate Programs
  • Professional Development Online
  • Online Career Training Programs
  • Online Personal Enrichment Courses

Using an advanced learning management system, students can complete assignments at their own pace. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and new classes start on a shortened schedule rather than a long semester. The university is transfer credit-friendly and provides credits for work experience and military training.

With its long history and diverse offerings, SDSU prepares students for a global future while nurturing their personal and professional development.

Accreditation & Licensing

San Diego State University is accredited by:

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 36,724 ; Graduate: 5,936

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 7% ; Graduate: 17%

Graduation Rate:

76%

Transfer Rate:

2%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$64,909

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$15,000

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

53%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$11,851

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by San Diego State University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Business

Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Best Buy degree
Master of Business Administration / Sports Business
Best Buy degree
Master of Public Administration
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Meeting & Event Management

Computer Science & IT

Advanced Certificate in Web & Mobile Applications Development

Education

Best Buy degree
Master of Arts in Education / Teacher Leadership
Best Buy degree
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Healthcare

Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Best Buy degree
Master of Public Health / Epidemiology
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Public Health / Health Promotion & Behavioral Science

Psychology & Human Services

Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego State University

Is San Diego State University accredited?

Yes. San Diego State University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

How many online programs does San Diego State University offer?

San Diego State University offers 13 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does San Diego State University offer?

San Diego State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.

How should students contact admissions at San Diego State University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is San Diego State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, San Diego State University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at San Diego State University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask San Diego State University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most San Diego State University programs require?

GPA requirements typically range from 2.8 to 2.9, and 2.8 appears most often.

Is San Diego State University military friendly?

San Diego State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.

How can students request information from San Diego State University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for San Diego State University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does San Diego State University accept life experience credit?

San Diego State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are San Diego State University programs fully online or mixed?

San Diego State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does San Diego State University offer?

San Diego State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Education, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any San Diego State University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); AACSB International (AACSB); Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Are any admission tests required for San Diego State University programs?

Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at San Diego State University?

Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.

Do any San Diego State University programs have state authorization limitations?

Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at San Diego State University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For San Diego State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare San Diego State University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

San Diego State University is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

San Diego State University is located in California

California at a Glance:

State flag of CA
Sacramento
39,512,223
163,696 sq mi
10
120
113
$14,000.00

Top Incentives in California:

Top Career Pathways in California:

Software Engineering
  • Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($150,000)
  • Senior Level: Technical Director ($200,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Computer Science
  • Certifications: AWS, Security+, CISSP
Healthcare Administration
  • Entry Level: Clinical Manager ($75,000)
  • Mid Level: Hospital Administrator ($120,000)
  • Senior Level: Healthcare Executive ($180,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
  • Certifications: ACHE, CPHQ
Environmental Science
  • Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($65,000)
  • Mid Level: Environmental Manager ($110,000)
  • Senior Level: Sustainability Director ($160,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Environmental Science
  • Certifications: CHMM, PE
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced