SDSU Recognized Among Top Value Colleges for 2025
San Diego State University (SDSU) has received notable acclaim in the recently released Money magazine’s 2025 “Best Colleges in America” rankings, achieving a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars. This rating not only underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering academic success but also highlights its effective financial strategies aimed at enhancing graduation rates and ensuring a substantial return on investment for its graduates. Money recognizes SDSU’s graduation rate, which is 11% higher than anticipated based on its diverse student demographics, as a significant achievement.
The rankings, published on June 25, 2024, evaluate a comprehensive array of factors that contribute to the overall value of 732 four-year private and public nonprofit colleges. These factors include affordability, available financial aid, and the subsequent earnings potential of alumni. This thorough assessment positions SDSU as a leader among its peers, particularly in California’s higher education system.
In its ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and affordability, SDSU reported achieving a new milestone last year, with nearly all available scholarship funds being distributed to students—a first in its 128-year history. This positive trend continued into the 2024–25 academic year, with an impressive 99.96% scholarship utilization rate reported under the direction of Kari Hooker, Director of Scholarships.
Furthermore, during the same academic period, the university revealed that 54% of full-time undergraduate students benefitted from need-based grant aid. Notably, 71% of graduating undergraduates graduated without taking on student loans, as highlighted by Chip Pierce, Director of the SDSU Financial Aid Office. “Almost all students receive some form of grant or scholarship to reduce financial burdens,” the publication emphasized.
The university’s four-year graduation rate for the fall 2020 cohort reached an unprecedented 61%; similarly, SDSU Imperial Valley recorded over 61%. The six-year graduation rate for the fall 2018 cohort stood at 76.4% in San Diego. CSU Chancellor Mildred García commented on these achievements, stating that the California State University (CSU) system is unparalleled in its ability to graduate a diverse population while managing the complexities of student life that many face, including work and family obligations.
Importantly, all 22 campuses within the CSU system secured four-star ratings or higher, with 15 campuses ranking in the top 10% nationwide. Money also pointed out that one in every 20 Americans with a college degree is a CSU graduate, a testament to the system’s significant national impact.
García emphasized the CSU’s commitment not only to increasing access to high-quality education but also to ensuring that graduates have promising career prospects post-graduation. The new star-based rating system implemented by Money in 2022 shifts the focus from traditional prestige rankings to a more substantial evaluation of educational quality, affordability, and tangible student outcomes.
As educational institutions navigate the increasingly complex landscape of higher education, SDSU’s recognition by Money highlights its pivotal role in setting a benchmark for accessible, impactful, and high-value education, ultimately benefiting both individuals and their surrounding communities. For more information, visit the SDSU News website.
