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College Comparison

Wake Forest 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

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

School

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricWake ForestSan Diego State
Acceptance Rate21.6%wins34.4%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1390–1510winsN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)32–34N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,758$20,170wins
Avg Net Price$28,746$16,174wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$78,158wins$64,909
Graduation Rate90.9%wins78.3%
Retention Rate94.7%wins90.3%
Student–Faculty Ratio9:1wins22:1
Total Enrollment5,47133,654wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Wake Forest edges out San Diego State 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.

Wake Forest Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1390–1510
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $78,158
  • Graduation Rate: 90.9%

San Diego State Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
  • Avg Net Price: $16,174
  • Total Enrollment: 33,654

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