Cost of Attendance
The California State University (CSU) makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).
Official university tuition and fees can be found on the The University Bursar website.
What is cost of attendance?
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost to attend SDSU during the 9-month academic year.
The amounts reflected in the standard COA reflect a modest, adequate living allowance. SDSU's COA amounts for books/supplies, housing and food, transportation, and personal expenses are the average amounts reported by actual SDSU students who responded to the California Student Aid Commission's (CSAC's) Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS). In the years between actual surveys, the amounts are adjusted for inflation based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Your individual circumstances, discretionary expenses, or spending habits may not align with the standard COA. Please be sure to check the standard COA against your estimated actual expenses for each item so you are prepared. SDSU strongly encourages prospective students and their families to consider how their own costs might differ from those given in the estimates. It is always a good idea to seek out cost of attendance estimates from other sources and also to consider whether you will incur other costs not included in SDSU's estimates. Lastly, if federal or state veteran benefits are available to you, be sure to research how they might reduce your cost to attend.
Your financial aid award will be based on the standard COA.
- Cost of attendance (table layout): Review the estimated cost to attend SDSU for an academic year for undergraduate, out-of-state, graduate, and teaching credential students.
- Net price: How to calculate the approximate net price that you and your family should expect to pay using your own funds.
- Housing and meal costs: Estimating your specific cost for the campus housing room type and meal plan you select.
- Request a loan increase: In some cases, certain documented expenses can be considered for an adjustment to increase your student or parent loan. See how to document expenses to request an increase to your loan.
Your housing status
Beginning with the 2024-25 aid year, the FAFSA no longer has a question about a student's housing arrangements. To determine housing status SDSU makes assumptions based on other FAFSA, admissions, and student records data.
- First and second year undergraduate dependent students (those required to provide parent information on their FAFSAs) who were admitted from outside SDSU's service area are assigned an on campus cost of attendance.
- Students with actual housing charges on their SDSU account are assigned an on campus cost of attendance (housing charges typically begin appearing on student accounts in July).
- Independent students (those not required to provide parent information on their FAFSAs) are assigned an off campus cost of attendance.
- Dependent undergraduate students whose permanent address is within 25 miles of SDSU are assigned a living with parents cost of attendance.
If your assumed housing status is incorrect, please contact the Cal Coast Student Financial Center for guidance on correcting it.
Transportation Options
Your transportation budget allowance includes costs incurred for transportation between school, residence, and place of work. It may include costs associated with operating and maintaining a vehicle used for such transportation; however, per federal regulations, financial aid cannot be used to purchase or lease a vehicle. When building your personal budget, you can refer to the AAA Cost of Driving Calculator to estimate vehicle operating costs based on the year and model of your car.
To keep your costs down, consider using public transporation. SDSU has its own Transit Center. Trolley and bus service connect the university to destinations throughout greater San Diego, including the airport, train station and Snapdragon Stadium. Check out the Green Line Guide for more information about the MTS Trolley and public transportation.
California Assembly Bill 467 and 990 Disclosures
Average rents for housing near San Diego State University in accordance with California Assembly Bill 467 and 990 (last updated October 2024):
- One bedroom apartment - $2,359 per month
- Two bedroom apartment - $2,919 per month
- One bedroom in a two bedroom home - $1,460 per month
- One bedroom in a three bedroom home - $1,301 per month
- One bedroom in a four bedroom home - $1,188 per month
The above data comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 2025 Small Area Market Rents by Zip Code. These are the average housing costs for zip codes within 5 miles of SDSU.
The Room and Board expenses included in the off-campus Cost of Attendance represent the typical costs students pay when enrolled at San Diego State University. A particular student's actual room and board costs may vary. Many students living off-campus have roommates, which significantly decreases their housing costs.
Calculate Your Bill
Use this form to estimate the amount you will owe the university after your financial aid is applied to your account:
Calculate your Bill for undergraduate students (PDF) (For 2025-26)
Calculate your Bill for undergraduate students (PDF) (For 2024-25)