Graduation

The Pursuit of Excellence

From groundbreaking research to student success, San Diego State has earned national and global recognition for academic excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

San Diego State University's rise has been driven by more than athletic achievement. For decades, the university has invested in academic excellence, research, and student success—building a reputation that now extends well beyond Southern California.

That commitment reached a defining milestone in 2025 when SDSU earned Carnegie R1 designation, placing the university among the top 5% of U.S. universities for research activity. Together with global rankings, record enrollment, and strong graduate outcomes, these achievements reflect a university that continues to expand its impact through innovation, discovery, and opportunity.

Today, San Diego State is recognized not only for preparing students to succeed after graduation, but for conducting research that improves lives, strengthens communities, and addresses some of the world's most pressing challenges.

R1 Research Announcement 1

Named a Carnegie R1 Research Institution in 2025, placing SDSU among the top 5% of U.S. universities for research activity.

R1 Research Announcement 2

The R1 designation reflects years of investment in faculty, research, and innovation, recognizing San Diego State's continued growth as a nationally respected research institution. Across campus, students work alongside faculty to advance discoveries that have local, national, and global impact.

Students Doing Research 1

Ranked among the top 3% of 21,462 universities worldwide in the 2025 Center for World University Rankings Global 2000.

Shot of Campus with Students 2

Academic excellence is measured not only by rankings, but by the outcomes achieved by its graduates. From nationally recognized scholarship programs, undergraduate research, and experiential learning to career preparation, San Diego State equips students for success long after graduation. On average, SDSU graduates earn $505,286 more in present-value career earnings than peers without a bachelor's degree. They also recover the total cost of their education—including opportunity costs—within six years.

By The Numbers

CarnegieR1

Research Institution (2025)

Top3%

of 21,462 universities worldwide

4.5 ☆

out of 5 stars in Money's 2025 Best Colleges rankings

Top25

Producer of Gilman Scholars since 2001

More than125,000

applications annually

Nearly46,000

enrolled students

Approximately12,000

degrees awarded annually

More than500,000

living Aztec alumni

San Diego State's reputation has been built through decades of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

As the university enters a new era in the Pac-12, its momentum extends well beyond athletics. National recognition, global impact, and a growing community of more than 500,000 alumni reflect a university that continues its pursuit of excellence through education, discovery, and opportunity.