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 Student Account Services website.

Calculate Your Bill

Use these forms to estimate the amount you will owe the university after your financial aid is applied to your account:

• Calculate your Bill for new first-time freshmen students (PDF)
• Calculate your Bill for continuing undergraduate students (PDF)

California Assembly Bill 990 Disclosure

In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the San Diego State University area is $2,095 per month. (Updated January 2022)

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.

What is cost of attendance?

Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost to attend SDSU during the 9-month academic year.

While your individual costs may vary, the COA reflects a modest, adequate living allowance. Your individual circumstances, discretionary expenses, or spending styles may not be the same as the standard COA.

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.
• Also learn how to postpone payments.
• 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.

Postponing payments

You must pay each semester’s basic tuition and fees before registering for your classes, unless you qualify to postpone (delay) the payment until your financial aid is available. Learn more about postponing payments.

• Note: If you are not a California resident, out-of-state tuition is an additional cost and is due at the beginning of the semester.