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College Comparison

Florida State University 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

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

School

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricFlorida StateSan Diego State
Acceptance Rate25.4%wins34.4%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1240–1390winsN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)27–31N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$18,786wins$20,170
Avg Net Price$10,997wins$16,174
Median Earnings (10 yr)$61,675$64,909wins
Graduation Rate83.0%wins78.3%
Retention Rate95.6%wins90.3%
Student–Faculty Ratio17:1wins22:1
Total Enrollment31,81233,654wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Florida State edges out San Diego State on 7 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.

Florida State Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 25.4%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1390
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
  • Avg Net Price: $10,997

San Diego State Strengths

  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $64,909
  • Total Enrollment: 33,654

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