San Diego State University

Imagine yourself here

Combining the strength of a research university with dedicated faculty who support innovation and discovery, SDSU provides you with the foundation you need to reach your highest academic potential and achieve your professional goals.

Since its founding in 1897, the university has grown to become a leading public research university and a federally-designated Hispanic-serving Institution. Each year, SDSU provides more than 36,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.

History, Mission, and Leadership

SDSU is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego, uniquely situated only 30 minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border on Kumeyaay land. Our community is fully committed to excellent teaching, meaningful research, and service to our regional community and others we serve throughout the state, across the nation, and internally.

We have an incredible past, and a powerful future ahead of us, marked by:

• A five-year strategic plan, “We Rise We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives,” launched in 2020.
• The development of SDSU Mission Valley is a mixed-use, medium-density development that is transit-oriented and that will expand the university’s educational, research, entrepreneurial, and technology transfer programs.
• The expansion of the border-connected SDSU Imperial Valley has been infused with new investments to introduce new programs and student services.
• The growth of SDSU Global Campus is growing educational access to adult learners through the creation of new degree programs.
• Our campus diversity is our pride. SDSU is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. About 54 percent of students are of color, and the university is recognized for its military and veteran program and ranked as a top college for LGBTQ students.

For generations, SDSU has overcome hurdles and defied expectations, forging ahead to deliver academic excellence, student success, and groundbreaking research. We will continue to do so as we build SDSU’s new chapter of inclusive opportunity for more students, reimagining a university designed to thrive for many years to come, and impacting San Diego, our border region, and the world as never before.

• 30 in Forbe's America's Best Value Colleges
• 1 in CA and #5 in the nation for study abroad
• 7th National Ranking for Students Studying Abroad
• International business program: No. 11 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report;
• Entrepreneurship program: No. 37 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report;
• Research: Grant funding rose 10 percent in 2018–19, reaching $148.5 million—the second-highest amount in university history;
• Diversity: Top 30 nationwide for ethnic diversity, according to U.S. News and World Report;
• Fulbright scholars: More than 90 students have received Fulbright awards, making SDSU a top producer of Fulbright winners;
• Gilman scholars: Eight San Diego State University students were selected to receive a Gilman scholarship, which provides them with the opportunity to study abroad, this year. SDSU has had 33 Gilman scholars to date, ranking in the top 20 nationwide;
• Lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs through SDSU Global Campus.