San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1897, it is part of the 23-campus California State University system and is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the region. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across disciplines including business, engineering, public health, education, and the arts. Designated as an R1 research institution, San Diego State University supports significant research activity while maintaining a strong focus on teaching. Its location near the U.S.-Mexico border shapes many of its academic and community initiatives. The university attracts students seeking a large public university experience with diverse academic offerings and access to Southern California’s professional opportunities.

San Diego State University was founded on March 13, 1897, as the San Diego Normal School, established to train elementary school teachers in the growing city of San Diego, California. In 1921, it became San Diego State Teachers College, expanding to a four-year institution under state control. The campus moved in 1931 to Montezuma Mesa, its current location. In 1935, the institution broadened its curriculum beyond teacher education and was renamed San Diego State College. It joined the California State College system in 1960, now known as the California State University system. In 1970, it adopted the name San Diego State University to reflect its expanded academic mission. Over the decades, San Diego State University developed graduate and doctoral programs and increased research activity. In 2025, it achieved R1 classification, marking a significant milestone in its evolution as a public research university.