College Comparison
San Diego State University vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | San Diego State | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 34.4%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1170–1400wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $20,170wins | $33,200 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,174wins | $22,150 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $64,909wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.3%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 90.3%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 19:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,654wins | 32,323 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, San Diego State edges out Alabama 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.
San Diego State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 34.4%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,174
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $64,909
Alabama Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1170–1400
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.