California Institute of the Arts vs San Diego State University
California Institute of the Arts is a private institute in Valencia, CA, and San Diego State University is a public university in San Diego, CA. California Institute of the Arts is the more selective of the two, admitting about 32% of applicants against 36% at San Diego State University. San Diego State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,364 a year against $46,080 at California Institute of the Arts. About 77% of students graduate at San Diego State University, compared with 65% at California Institute of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, San Diego State University alumni earn a median of about $64,909, against $41,198 for California Institute of the Arts.
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University harder to get into?
- California Institute of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 32% of applicants, compared with 36% at San Diego State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University?
- San Diego State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,364 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $46,080 at California Institute of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California Institute of the Arts and San Diego State University?
- Before aid, San Diego State University costs about $27,780 a year and California Institute of the Arts about $77,560. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University?
- San Diego State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,910 there, against about $26,686 at California Institute of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University?
- San Diego State University is the larger of the two, with about 35,377 undergraduates against 860 at California Institute of the Arts.
- Does California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University have a better graduation rate?
- San Diego State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 65% at California Institute of the Arts.
- Do graduates of California Institute of the Arts or San Diego State University earn more?
- San Diego State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,909 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,198 for California Institute of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California Institute of the Arts and San Diego State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- California Institute of the Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. San Diego State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.