SDSU vs CSULB: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for San Diego State University and California State University-Long Beach, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
SDSU vs CSULB at a glance
SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and CSULB 46.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,243 at SDSU and $9,426 at CSULB. Six-year graduation rates are 78.1% and 70.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and CSULB 46.3%, so SDSU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,243 a year at SDSU and $9,426 at CSULB; CSULB costs $3,817 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,258 at SDSU and $6,443 at CSULB.
- 78.1% of students graduate within six years at SDSU, against 70.3% at CSULB.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,494 for SDSU and $69,554 for CSULB; SDSU is $3,940 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,500 at SDSU and $14,195 at CSULB.
- SDSU enrolls 35,377 students (large city) and CSULB 35,924 (large city).
Side by side
SDSU and CSULB in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | SDSU | CSULB |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 36.2% | 46.3% |
| Applicants | 67,660 | 67,122 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,243 | $9,426 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,180 | $8,338 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,500 | $21,658 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,045 | $22,926 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,258 | $6,443 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,236 | $6,576 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,413 | $7,576 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,498 | $11,462 |
| Over $110,000 | $22,130 | $19,919 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.1% | 70.3% |
| First-year retention | 90.6% | 86.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,494 | $69,554 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,500 | $14,195 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $165 | $161 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 35,377 | 35,924 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Long Beach, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
SDSU reports 81 bachelor's programs and CSULB 86; 67 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about SDSU vs CSULB
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into SDSU or CSULB?
SDSU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and CSULB admits 46.3%.
Which is cheaper, SDSU or CSULB?
CSULB has the lower average net price after grants: $13,243 a year at SDSU against $9,426 at CSULB. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,258 and $6,443. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do SDSU or CSULB graduates earn more?
SDSU graduates earn more at the median: $73,494 ten years after entry for SDSU and $69,554 for CSULB. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,500 and $14,195.
Which has a higher graduation rate, SDSU or CSULB?
SDSU does: 78.1% of SDSU students graduate within six years, against 70.3% at CSULB.
How big are SDSU and CSULB?
SDSU has 35,377 students in San Diego, CA and CSULB has 35,924 students in Long Beach, CA.