San Diego State University is a public research university in San Diego, California, and the oldest higher education institution in the city. Founded in 1897 and part of the California State University system, it holds an R1 research classification and reports annual research expenditure of nearly $230 million. Research is conducted across academic disciplines through faculty-led projects and hands-on student research.
The university enrols more than 39,000 students and offers more than 200 academic programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Its technical focus areas include academic research, higher education delivery, and faculty-led and student research. Learning is supplemented by internships, study abroad, and research participation intended to connect coursework with practical application.
SDSU is located on Kumeyaay land near the U.S.-Mexico border, and more than half of its students identify as people of colour. Beyond academics, campus life includes NCAA Division I athletics and more than 400 student organisations.
The university's alumni network exceeds 500,000 worldwide. Reported graduate outcomes include an average 20-year return on investment of $540,000 and an average mid-career salary of $127,700.
