Academic Comparison between UC Riverside and San Diego State

University of California-Riverside 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.
  • UC Riverside has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,524) than San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than UC Riverside.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while UC Riverside has 26,384 students.
  • UC Riverside has a lower number of students per faculty with 22 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • UC Riverside has more full-time faculties with 1,028 faculties while San Diego State has 1,012 full-time faculties.
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UC Riverside San Diego State
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Riversidevs.San Diego State University
Riverside, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$14,636
Out-Of-State$46,524
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
74%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$21,726Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,851
76.39 %Acceptance Rates36.19 %
12.23 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.36 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate76 %
9 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
88 %Retention Rate91 %
26,384Student Population41,137
1,028Number of Faculties1,012
22 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio27 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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
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