Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given San Diego State University's 34.4% acceptance rate, most applicants should consider backup options with similar career outcomes. The alternatives below provide comparable post-graduation earnings with different admission profiles, costs, or locations.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider California State University-Fullerton, which admits 86.7% of applicants while producing graduates earning $62,951, just $1,958 less than SDSU. Located 90 miles away, Cal State Fullerton offers comparable program focus with significantly more accessible admission. California State University-Long Beach admits 47.1% of applicants and produces virtually identical earnings of $64,403, representing only a $506 difference from SDSU.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students seeking to remain in California should consider California State University-Long Beach, located 92 miles from San Diego with nearly identical earnings of $64,403 and 47.1% admission rates. Cal State Fullerton, 90 miles away, produces graduates earning $62,951 with 86.7% admission rates. Both institutions maintain similar program offerings and public university missions while providing different admission profiles for California residents.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier (#35 ranked)
