College Comparison
San Diego State University vs University of Colorado Boulder: 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
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | San Diego State | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 34.4%wins | 83.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1230–1420wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $20,170wins | $41,943 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,174wins | $21,480 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $64,909 | $69,738wins |
| Graduation Rate | 78.3%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 90.3%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 19:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,654wins | 31,578 |
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.
San Diego State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 34.4%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,174
- ✓Graduation Rate: 78.3%
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $69,738
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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