San Diego State University, founded in 1897, is the first and only University that is part of the 22-campus California State University System that has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 classification as one of the top public research universities in the nation. SDSU provides transformative experiences for more than 46,000 students at multiple campus locations spanning the entire California-Mexico international border. SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives and global footprint, its veterans’ programs, LGBTQIA+ student support, and its powerhouse Division I athletics program. For over 129 years, students have participated in robust research, entrepreneurship initiatives, internships, mentoring and career-readiness activities in one of the nation’s most dynamic, diverse and desirable regions.
With SDSU being a global and inclusive community, SDSU reflects the world students want to live in. More than half of our students identify as students of color. As a top Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution, SDSU welcomes students from every background. Here, students discover new possibilities, broaden their perspectives and prepare for a future with purpose. Wherever you're from, you’ll find a place to belong and thrive here.
SDSU is committed to student success, community impact, and global engagement. These commitments have been officially recognized by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education as both a Carnegie Opportunity University (for its combination of high student access and strong postgraduate earnings) and as a Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. When all designations are considered jointly, SDSU is the only university nationwide that has earned these Carnegie Classifications (R1/Opportunity/HSI/AANAPISI/Community Engagement) while also having a Division 1 athletics program.
We are home to more than 500,000 alumni worldwide, strengthened by a San Diego community that embraces SDSU as its hometown university.
What makes SDSU stand out?
With 115 master’s degrees, 30 active doctoral degrees, and 79 post-baccalaureate advanced certificates and credential programs, our students get the best of both worlds – individualized attention and a multitude of opportunities.
As an R1 institution with more than $229.8 million in research funding, our scholarship, creative activities, and research provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while driving discoveries, innovations, and solutions that strengthen communities and address global challenges. Importantly, all these opportunities are available with affordable tuition costs.
Real-World Learning That Sets You Apart
With more than 150 graduate academic programs and dozens of research centers, SDSU helps students turn ideas into measurable impact. Internships, fieldwork, and faculty-led research connect what’s learned in class with hands-on experiences across industries like biotech, education, health, media, and engineering, giving students a head start on their careers. We recognize that every student’s goals are unique. Whether you're pursuing a professional degree, preparing for graduate school, or seeking ways to give back to your community, SDSU offers the mentorship, flexibility, and support to help you define your path and move forward with confidence.
High-Impact Experiences
At SDSU, we encourage students to get a real taste of what it's like to be scholars in action. Participating in fieldwork, lab studies, hands-on research, internships and entrepreneurship programs can transform the college experience and help students more easily identify their skills and passions.
An Unmatched Location
San Diego is a launchpad for opportunity and innovation. From beaches and trails to cultural districts and tech startups, SDSU students live and learn in a region where lifestyle and career growth go hand in hand.
With year-round sunshine and the prestige of being a Division I research institution with a D1 athletic program at the forefront of the Pac-12 conference, SDSU truly has it all. We blend laid-back California vibes with world-class academics. Come explore SDSU—your home away from home!
Incredible Value, Meaningful Results
An SDSU degree opens doors and delivers long-term value. Ranked among the top colleges nationwide for return on investment, our workforce-ready graduates launch careers at organizations like Google, Amazon, Qualcomm and the City of San Diego. With an average mid-career salary of $127,700 and a 20-year net ROI of $540,000 (PayScale), SDSU offers a smart, future-focused education.
The 132-acre SDSU Mission Valley expansion includes the 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium with 4,600 housing units (including 10% set aside for affordable housing) under construction. The project also features a planned 1.6 million-square-foot Innovation District that will foster partnerships with industry and government, expand experiential learning opportunities, and advance innovation with a strong emphasis on STEM disciplines.
Level up Your Wellness
Aquaplex: Take advantage of San Diego’s year-round sunshine at the Aztec Aquaplex with two heated outdoor pools, a 20-person spa, tennis courts, and full-service locker rooms. Lounge chairs, rafts, and water sports gear are provided. Entry is included with Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) membership.
Aztec Recreation Center (ARC): The ARC supports your fitness and wellness seven days a week with 500+ cardio and weight machines, daily fitness classes, drop-in courts, intramurals, sport clubs, climbing walls, an indoor track, Adapted Athletics, and a healthy on-site eatery.
Mission Bay Aquatic Center: Learn new skills, check out watersports equipment rentals, and get on the water at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, one of the world’s largest instructional waterfront facilities. Earn SDSU credit or take recreation classes in kayaking, sailing, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing.