San Diego State lies slightly inland from UC San Diego and a tad bit northward up from downtown. All that separates an adventurous collegiate student from exploring the various attractions around the city is a student-subsidized trolley. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) connects SDSU, UCSD, Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Stadium, Balboa Park (with the San Diego Zoo), among countless other crowd-pleasers. While the area is certainly attractive, SDSU also boasts some impressive statistics. A 76% graduation rate places the college in the top 20% of universities nationwide. Additionally, the acceptance rate typically rests in the high 30%, making San Diego State the second hardest California State School to get into, after Cal Poly SLO. Unlike San Luis Obispo, San Diego is classified as an R1 research institution—meaning the university outputs the highest level of research activity and offers one of the broadest ranges of doctoral programs. San Diego is the only state school with this classification. Alongside their impressive academics, San Diego has a strong sports culture and champions their Aztec mascot at games. Division I in football, basketball, and many other on-campus sports, SDSU is considered top-tier among college sports. Like the more conventional ball games, the university also sports a strong surfing and skating culture, going so far as to have learning communities with dorms dedicated to these activities. The college being a short ride to the beach, and within a sprawling city-scape, these hobbies are readily available to any interested student. On-campus clubs and activities kindle this culture and it’s become a central part of San Diego. In all, California State University: San Diego is a rich, diverse, and academically challenging institution with many intriguing and attractive aspects. Consider adding it to your college list, and go Aztecs!
