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Home / Testbook US / San Diego State University Admission

San Diego State University (SDSU) SAT Scores, GPA, and ACT Scores

Last Updated on Jul 19, 2025
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SDSU located in the urban San Diego City, California, is a prestigious public research university in the United States and is considered fertile ground for study abroad. San Diego State University (SDSU), being a liberal arts institution with an extensive range of programs, actually has a 'welcome' campus community that is open to receiving students from every corner of the nation. The university's San Diego State University SAT scores for entering students are usually between 1130 at the 25th percentile and 1340 at the 75th percentile, indicating a competitive admissions process. Admission to San Diego State University is competitive. Therefore, ensuring that one meets the requirements set by the San Diego State University SAT Exam Scores, ACT Exam scores, and GPA expectations is integral to a successful application.

Did You Know Facts About San Diego State University? 

  • California's Third-Oldest University – SDSU, founded in 1897, is California's third-oldest university. It first started as the San Diego Normal School to provide teacher training.
  • High Research Activity – SDSU is an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, which designates it as one of the highest-researching universities in the U.S.
  • Diverse Student Body – With more than 36,000 students, SDSU boasts a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from all 50 states and over 100 nations.
  • Home of the Aztecs – The university teams, the Aztecs, compete in the Mountain West Conference of NCAA Division I. In contrast, the football team plays at Snapdragon Stadium, one of the nation's newest, most advanced facilities.
  • Famous Alumni – SDSU has several famous alumni, such as actor Kawhi Leonard (NBA player), Gregory Peck (Academy Award-winning actor), and Ellen Ochoa (first Hispanic woman to travel in space).

Elements

Details

College Name

San Diego State University (SDSU)

College Location

San Diego, California

College Short Form

SDSU

Acceptance Rate

36%

Graduation Rate

78%

FAFSA Deadline

April 2

Early Decision

Not Offered

Regular Application Due

December 2

SAT Score

1130-1340

ACT Score

23-29

San Diego State University Admissions Requirements

San Diego State University has competitive admissions, emphasizing academic performance. The average admitted GPA is 3.86. It does not consider SAT or ACT scores for first-year admissions anymore, but it can utilize them for course placement if admitted. For international students, evidence of English proficiency is needed, and SDSU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic scores. SDSU's holistic review considers academics, leadership, and personal qualities. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, and a personal statement, with letters of recommendation optional.

Requirement

Details

SAT Scores

1130-1340

ACT Scores

23-29

Average GPA

3.86

Personal Statement

Required

Letters of Recommendation

Optional, but encouraged

Extracurricular Activities

Strongly considered

Application Fee

$70 (subject to change)

San Diego State University SAT Scores Requirements

San Diego State University (SDSU) has competitive SAT requirements, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring between 1130 and 1340. For example, a good SAT score can help strengthen an applicant's profile and demonstrate that they are prepared to undertake college-level coursework even though standardized examination scores are optional for admission. At SDSU, we believe in a holistic review process, that is, a combination of academic performance, test scores (if submitted), and extracurricular involvement bringing in the decision.

San Diego State University SAT Scores Distribution 

The SAT is a standardized test examining students' skills in core subjects, such as Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. In admissions at SDSU, there is a significant concern over San Diego State University SAT scores in determining academic preparedness and potential. The applicants who score in the SAT at or above the 75th percentile will likely be strong. Those students who fall below the 25th percentile may have to strengthen other aspects of their application to enhance their chances of getting in.

SAT Section

Average

25th Percentile 

75th Percentile 

ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing)

615

560

670

Math

615

560

670

Composite 

1230

1130

1340

Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

Average SAT scores for admitted students often give applicants some idea of competitive scores. A composite SAT score of 1130-1340 is generally competitive when applying to SDSU. 

Colleges That Accept SAT Scores

San Diego State University (SDSU) consists of various colleges and accepts San Diego State University SAT scores for admission. The list of colleges in SDSU is given below:

  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • College of Sciences

San Diego State University ACT Scores Requirements 

San Diego State University (SDSU) has a test-optional admissions policy, but applicants are not obligated to report ACT scores. However, strong ACT scores can enhance an application, particularly for highly competitive programs. SDSU does not necessarily have a minimum ACT requirement, but applicants who score higher on the ACT stand a better opportunity for San Diego State University admissions.

San Diego State University ACT Scores Distribution 

According to the statistics, students already above the 75th percentile are more likely to receive acceptance. The below-mentioned students would need to apply with comparative point averages or grade point averages, and they might even have to include extracurricular activities in their admissions processes. The following is a range of ACT composite scores of the middle 50% students who were admitted to SDSU:

  • 25th Percentile: 23
  • 75th Percentile: 29
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San Diego State University GPA Requirements

San Diego State University (SDSU) has a competitive GPA requirement, with the average GPA of admitted students typically around 3.86 on a 4.0 scale. SDSU considers a student's overall academic performance, including the rigor of courses like AP, IB, or honors classes.

San Diego State University Average GPA of Admitted Students

The average GPAs of the middle 50% of admitted students range between 3.86 and 4.0. A candidate will also have a good academic record, and a GPA above 3.8 will be competitive. San Diego State University considers GPA an essential aspect of its admissions process. SDSU looks into weighted and unweighted GPAs, but awards more weight to rigorous coursework undertaken with honors, AP, or dual enrollment.

Admission Criteria

Middle 50% GPA Range

GPA

3.86 - 4.0

San Diego State University Acceptance Rate

San Diego State University is a selective school with an acceptance rate of about 34%. This is such that of every 100 who apply, around 34 are accepted. Being in high demand, SDSU places a heavy weight on academic record, strength of coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Particulars

Details

Total Applicants 

90,509

Admitted Students

32,561

Enrolled

6,629

Acceptance Rate

36%

San Diego State University Scholarships

SDSU puts a lot of weight on offering scholarships to students to enable them to finance their education. Notable scholarships include:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: Available for students demonstrating financial need.
  • President's Scholarship: Highly competitive, awarded to top-performing students.
  • SDSU Aztec Scholarships: A platform where students can apply for multiple university-based scholarships with a single application.
  • External Scholarships: SDSU provides resources to help students find private and external funding opportunities.

SDSU Application Deadline & Admission Statistics
  • The SDSU application deadline for regular admissions is typically December 2.
  • SDSU admission statistics indicate a strong academic pool, with most students falling within the San Diego State University SAT score and GPA ranges discussed above.

San Diego State Admission Rate

The San Diego State admission rate is competitive, making the university a popular choice for students applying to top universities in California and nationwide.

SDSU Tuition

Approximately $19,000 per annum is the tuition paid by in-state students for SDSU. On the other hand, the tuition paid annually by out-of-state students amounts to about $37,000 per year. Tuition fees vary according to the program and residential status of an individual. For the most accurate and updated information, the official SDSU tuition website should be consulted.

Conclusion

To be considered for San Diego State University, students need to meet the SAT requirements and ACT scores in addition to a competitive GPA. SDSU seeks students who are well beyond sufficiently prepared academically and enthusiastic about learning, demonstrate leadership, and are active in the community. Having an idea of the SDSU SAT requirements and what is expected of GPA can assist applicants in doing their part to make their applications better and be more likely to be accepted into the university.

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Top US Universities

UCLA Acceptance Rate

Harvard Acceptance Rate

NYU Acceptance Rate

Penn State Acceptance Rate

SDSU Acceptance Rate

USC Acceptance Rate

Purdue Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate

Rutgers Acceptance Rate

UMich Acceptance Rate

UCF Acceptance Rate

University Of Southern California Acceptance Rate

Colleges That Use SAT Scores

Category

Colleges/Universities

Ivy League Schools

Harvard University

Yale University

Princeton University

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

Dartmouth College

Brown University

Cornell University

Public Research Universities

University of California System (some campuses)

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Florida

National Universities

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California

Liberal Arts Colleges

Williams College

Amherst College

Swarthmore College

Middlebury College

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Scores

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept a 1200 Score on the SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

San Diego State University (SDSU) SAT Scores FAQs

The acceptance rate at SDSU rests somewhere at 36% making it a selective institution characterized by a rigorously competitive admissions process.

San Diego State University SAT scores for admitted students typically range between 1130 and 1340 on the composite score.

Applicants who are admitted to San Diego State University typically score an average of 1240 on the SAT, which is in the competitive middle line of applicants.

Tuition is about $19,000 annually for in-state students for SDSU, and approximately $37,000 for out-of-state students.

The average GPA at SDSU for admissions is about 3.86. Students should also demonstrate strong academic performance in high school.

The general application deadline for SDSU would be around December 2 for fall admission.
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