College Comparison
San Diego State University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 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 Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | San Diego State | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 34.4%wins | 46.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1190–1340wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $20,170wins | $31,974 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,174wins | $18,109 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $64,909wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.3%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 90.3% | 91.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,654wins | 28,763 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, San Diego State edges out Tennessee 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $64,909
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1340
- ✓Retention Rate: 91.1%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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