Head to head · California
California State University-Long Beach costs less than San Diego State University at every income band federal data covers — between $2,186 and $4,071 less per year, depending on what you earn.
| Household income | California State University | San Diego State University | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $7,183 | $9,910 | $2,727 |
| $30–48k | $7,831 | $10,017 | $2,186 |
| $48–75k | $9,705 | $12,697 | $2,992 |
| $75–110k | $12,630 | $15,891 | $3,261 |
| Over $110k | $19,750 | $23,821 | $4,071 |
Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.
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Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed California State University first, then San Diego State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
Again California State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.
These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.
California State University-Long Beach — every income band · San Diego State University — every income band · All California public colleges