San Diego State University
What San Diego State University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2024-25.
See your odds at San Diego State University →All 2 insights at San Diego State University PRO
Who says yesSan Diego State University
80% of students admitted to San Diego State University go elsewhere.
Only 20% of admits enroll, so San Diego State University admits far more students than it has seats.
Enroll20%
Go elsewhere80%
Source: San Diego State University's Common Data Set 2024-25
WaitlistSan Diego State University
San Diego State University's waitlist works: 38% got in.
1,804 of 4,802 students who stayed on the list were admitted. Stay on it.
Admitted off the list38%
Not admitted62%
Source: San Diego State University's Common Data Set 2024-25
3 more things the data says PRO
- The share of international students in the first-year class has fallen from 6% to 2% since 2018-19, about 0.6 points a year.
- 4,802 students stayed on the waitlist and 1,804 were admitted from it (37.6%).
- Applications rose 30% from 2018-19 to 2024-25 (69,399 to 89,972).
What students say PRO
From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.
- Admits who posted mostly had very high GPAs: roughly 40 of 45 who shared one were 3.7 or above, and many reported 4.0.
- Admits often stacked rigorous coursework, such as many AP, honors, IB, dual-enrollment or community college classes.
- Many admits said they were in the statewide top 9% of their school or admitted as a local San Diego applicant.
- Admits aiming at engineering and computing often listed robotics, technical clubs or jobs in the field, though activities are not scored.
- Students report weighted CSU GPA is the biggest factor, followed by intended major, extra A-G courses, rigor, first-gen status and local status.
- Students report SDSU does not consider extracurriculars or demonstrated interest, so continued-interest letters are not used.
- Students report decisions are rolling and arrive in waves, with early admits in December and the rest through March, with waitlists and denials last.
- Students report the waitlist is invitation-only, offers usually start after May 1, and appeals are not accepted; waitlist admits rose to about 1,800 in 2024.
- Students report few scholarships come with admission; most require a separate application, and out-of-state applicants should not expect merit aid.
Every number, year by year: San Diego State University on Open College Data. Something wrong? Suggest a correction.