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College comparison
Penn State vs San Diego State University
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Penn State University Park, PA |  San Diego State University San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateSan Diego State University is more selective | 61% | 36% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1240–1420 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 42,284 | 35,377 |
| Avg net price | $32,875 | $15,364 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)San Diego State University reports higher median earnings | $63,435 | $64,909 |
| Graduation rate | 86% | 76% |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Economic mobility | — | 3.7% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
Quick answers
- Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or San Diego State University harder to get into?
- San Diego State University is more selective: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate is approximately 61% and San Diego State University's is approximately 36% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs San Diego State University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and — at San Diego State University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.