Academic Comparison between San Diego State and Cal State Long Beach

San Diego State University and California State University-Long Beach 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 Cal State Long Beach ($19,974).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than Cal State Long Beach.
  • Cal State Long Beach has more students with 42,003 students while San Diego State has 41,137 students.
  • Cal State Long Beach has a lower number of students per faculty with 23 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • Cal State Long Beach has more full-time faculties with 1,117 faculties while San Diego State has 1,012 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.California State University-Long Beach
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationLong Beach, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,374
Out-Of-State$19,974
53%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,350
36.19 %Acceptance Rates46.27 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.68 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate69 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
91 %Retention Rate87 %
41,137Student Population42,003
1,012Number of Faculties1,117
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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
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