Academic Comparison between San Diego State and Whittier

San Diego State University and Whittier College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, CA and Whittier is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Whittier, CA.

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.

  • San Diego State is a public and Whittier is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Whittier has more expensive tuition & fees ($51,350) than San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than Whittier.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while Whittier has 795 students.
  • Whittier has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 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 Whittier has 96 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.Whittier College
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationWhittier, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$51,350
53%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$32,501
36.19 %Acceptance Rates80.79 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.41 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate60 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
91 %Retention Rate66 %
41,137Student Population795
1,012Number of Faculties96
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 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