Academic Comparison between Fresno State and San Diego State

California State University-San Marcos and San Diego State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • San Diego State has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,328) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than Fresno State.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while Fresno State has 16,237 students.
  • Fresno State has a lower number of students per faculty with 24 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.San Diego State University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
63%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,851
95.10 %Acceptance Rates36.19 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.36 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate76 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
79 %Retention Rate91 %
16,237Student Population41,137
416Number of Faculties1,012
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio27 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare