San Diego State University publishes a cost of attendance of $27,357 annually, including $20,170 in out-of-state tuition, $21,630 for room and board, and $908 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $27,357 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,170 |
| Room and Board | $21,630 |
| Books and Supplies | $908 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,183 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,174 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,655 |
| $30–48k | $10,241 |
| $48–75k | $14,205 |
| $75–110k | $18,176 |
| $110k+ | $24,913 |
San Diego State University publishes a cost of attendance of $27,357 annually, including $20,170 in out-of-state tuition, $21,630 for room and board, and $908 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price across all income levels is $16,174, representing financial aid savings of $11,183 compared to the sticker price.
This places San Diego State University's net price $584 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability within its institutional category. The university's affordability index ranks at the 78.2nd percentile nationally, reflecting well above average performance in cost management and financial aid effectiveness. Students should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as SDSU's financial aid substantially reduces actual costs for most families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
San Diego State University graduates maintain manageable debt levels that support long-term financial health. Median student debt is $15,000, ranking at the 85.0th percentile nationally for low debt levels.
The debt distribution ranges from $6,130 at the 25th percentile to $23,531 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across most students. Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $20,000, SDSU graduates borrow $5,000 less while achieving higher earnings outcomes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 means student debt represents 23% of first-year post-graduation income, well within manageable levels for most career paths. Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $24,559 with monthly payments of $323, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
San Diego State University delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $205 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 57.0th percentile nationally for value creation.
With median earnings of $64,909 and debt of $15,000, the university produces a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio that supports financial stability. Compared to peer institutions, SDSU graduates earn $4,366 more annually while borrowing $5,000 less, creating a double advantage for long-term financial health.
The return index percentile of 62.0% indicates above-average performance in translating educational investment into career outcomes. Students benefit from net prices $584 below peer institutions while accessing programs that produce competitive earnings across multiple fields.
San Diego State University demonstrates strong financial aid effectiveness through substantial cost reductions for most students. The $11,183 average financial aid savings represents 40.9% of the published cost of attendance, indicating meaningful support for student affordability.
The university's 31.4% Pell share aligns with national diversity goals while remaining accessible to middle-income families who often struggle with college costs. Financial aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive pricing structure seen in net price data, with families under $30,000 paying less than $10,000 annually.
This aid targeting supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where educational access converts into economic advancement. The combination of state funding as a public institution and targeted financial aid creates conditions where students from diverse economic backgrounds can access SDSU's programs and career outcomes.
