Built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory engineers, Berkeley, University of California admissions officers, and Ivy League counselors. Proud partner of The Haq Foundation.
AdmissionsOS

California State University-Long Beach vs San Diego State University

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-Long Beach San Diego State University
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 46% 36%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $10,440 $15,364
Sticker cost of attendance $22,679 $27,780
Graduation rate 69% 76%
Retention rate 87% 91%
Undergraduates 35,924 35,377
Student-faculty ratio 23:1 27:1
Setting Long Beach, CA San Diego, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $70
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-Long Beach or San Diego State University harder to get into?

San Diego State University is more selective, with a 36% acceptance rate versus 46% at California State University-Long Beach. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Long Beach or San Diego State University?

California State University-Long Beach has the lower average net price ($10,440 versus $15,364). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.