College Comparison
University of Colorado Boulder vs San Diego State University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
School
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | CU Boulder | San Diego State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 34.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943 | $20,170wins |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480 | $16,174wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738wins | $64,909 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 78.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 89.2% | 90.3%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1wins | 22:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578 | 33,654wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, San Diego State edges out CU Boulder on 6 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $69,738
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 19:1
San Diego State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 34.4%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,174
- ✓Graduation Rate: 78.3%
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