San Diego State University was founded to educate teachers in 1897, making it the oldest university in the geographic region. The original training center for students was a room located over a retail establishment in the city. By the 1930s, the university had its own 17-acre campus and began to offer additional majors. Today, over 30,000 students are able to enroll each year in majors such as science, business and engineering at a larger campus with multiple specialized buildings.
Mission/Visions
The mission of San Diego State University are diverse including providing an understanding of various world cultures, advancing human thought and encouraging intellectual development for its students. To achieve this mission, the university provides a knowledgeable educational staff from around the world who offers an interdisciplinary perspective to students. At the same time, the faculty strives to support creativity and innovation amongst its student body.
Campus Setting
Because this is an older university, several campus buildings have historical significance for students and the community. At the same time, San Diego State University has continually modernized by adding structures dedicated to the study of humanities, communication and social sciences. In addition, students can choose between several dormitories or apartments located near the university’s urban campus. This university’s campus is surrounded by other businesses and private residences due to its centralized location.
Academics
San Diego State University has a fine academic reputation including having numerous U.S. Fulbright scholars, extensive successful research by doctorial students and high rankings for its international education programs. The university offers more than 150 academic majors and over 20 professional programs. Despite having a large student body, the university keeps its class sizes small to encourage individualized attention from professors and teacher assistants.
Athletics
Athletics is an integral part of San Diego State University to assist students with improving their physical and mental health. Students can enjoy watching or participating in an assortment of athletic pursuits including golf, tennis and baseball. Due to the geographic region’s year-round warm climate, it is easy for everyone to find their favorite athletic activity. The campus has several buildings including the Aztec Recreation Center dedicated to sport events including basketball games featuring the university’s men’s team.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at San Diego State University is very affordable for in-state students and is only slightly higher for non-resident students. With a large department devoted to assisting students with financial aid from sources including private and government programs, affordability is a focus of the university. Students are encouraged to begin applying for financial assistance while in high school to maximize their awards. Please refer to the school’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
San Diego State University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, the university has accreditation for each of its study programs to verify its high academic standards. San Diego State University fully cooperates with accrediting agencies in a timely fashion to ensure students receive the best education. The teacher education division is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education while the engineering division is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc.
Admissions
San Diego State University accepts incoming freshman applications in the autumn before high school graduation based on selective criteria including grades in college preparatory courses, ACT or SAT scores and available space in particular majors. Freshman students must have a high school diploma and maintain a C grade point average in senior year coursework.
Completed applications are mailed to:
Office of Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
Telephone: 619-594-5200
Fax: 619-594-4249
San Diego, Calif. 92182-7425
admissions@sdsu.edu
