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College Comparison

San Diego State University vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins: 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

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricSan Diego StateColorado State
Acceptance Rate34.4%wins89.6%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/AN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/AN/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$20,170wins$33,751
Avg Net Price$16,174wins$20,332
Median Earnings (10 yr)$64,909wins$60,543
Graduation Rate78.3%wins66.9%
Retention Rate90.3%wins84.8%
Student–Faculty Ratio22:117:1wins
Total Enrollment33,654wins25,148

Verdict

Based on the data above, San Diego State edges out Colorado State on 7 of 8 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

Colorado State Strengths

  • Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1

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