SDSU
San Diego State University is a public R1 research university in San Diego, California, part of the 22-campus CSU system, serving undergraduate, graduate, international, and non-traditional learners through 220+ degree programs across 10 colleges and multiple physical and online campuses, with $230M in annual research funding and a 500,000+ alumni network.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1897
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What SDSU does
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public R1 research university founded in 1897 and operated as part of the 22-campus California State University system, headquartered at 5500 Campanile Drive in San Diego, California. SDSU serves undergraduate, graduate, international, and non-traditional learners through more than 220 degree programs across 10 colleges, plus SDSU Global Campus for online and continuing education, and reaches approximately 500,000 living alumni. The institution generates substantial research output — $230 million in annual external funding and more than $620 million over the last three years — and reports a $9.65 billion statewide economic impact with 26,000 jobs supported, positioning it as the highest-impact campus in the CSU system.
The university operates a digital ecosystem comprising SDSUid identity and authentication, the Canvas learning management system, my.SDSU student portal, Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft 365, ExLibris Alma/Primo library systems, Adobe Creative Cloud, PeopleSoft HR, and ServiceNow for IT service management, supported by specialized infrastructure including Connected Classrooms and Learning Glass displays. SDSU has built AI capability into both curriculum (BS in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility, first of its kind in the CSU system) and faculty development (Academic Applications of AI Micro-Credential, expanded across the CSU system), and has launched applied research initiatives such as the MASGA U.S. Maritime R&D Hub with Samsung Heavy Industries.
SDSU's business model blends recurring state appropriations and tuition across multiple delivery channels (residential main campus, online, Imperial Valley, Mission Valley, SDSU Georgia, Oaxaca), supplemented by research grants, philanthropy (e.g., a $2.5 million Partrick-Clayes gift), athletics (newly in the Pac-12 Conference), and auxiliary services operated by Associated Students. With $12.66 in statewide economic activity per $1 of state investment and an average graduate earnings premium of $505,286 versus non-degree holders, SDSU monetizes a diversified mix of public funding, tuition, sponsored research, and donor capital rather than any single revenue line.
SDSU firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SDSU
- Legal name
- San Diego State University
- Website
- https://sdsu.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1897
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- San Diego State University is a public R1 research university in San Diego, California, part of the 22-campus CSU system, serving undergraduate, graduate, international, and non-traditional learners through 220+ degree programs across 10 colleges and multiple physical and online campuses, with $230M in annual research funding and a 500,000+ alumni network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SDSU industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / Public Research University
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems (EDAHAAAI)
Keywords
Where SDSU is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
SDSU business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- State Funding (California State University): SDSU receives operational funding from the California State University system and the state of California, which represents the primary public funding source for the university's activities.
- Student Tuition and Fees: Revenue generated from tuition and fees paid by undergraduate and graduate students, including both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Research Grants and External Funding: SDSU researchers secured more than $620 million in external funding over the last three years, representing significant research grant revenue.
- Alumni Giving and Donor Contributions: The university receives charitable contributions from alumni and donors, including major gifts such as Jeffrey Partrick and Trulette Clayes' $2.5 million gift to the Fowler College of Business and John Baldwin's $150,000 donation for The Daily Aztec newsroom.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard undergraduate/graduate tuition |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
SDSU product offering
Product offeringCore offering
San Diego State University is a public R1 research university delivering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs across 10 colleges and 220+ programs. It provides residential instruction at its main San Diego campus, online and continuing education through SDSU Global Campus, and serves international students via regional campuses in Imperial Valley, Georgia, and Oaxaca. Core offerings include degree completion, faculty AI micro-credentialing, applied research, NCAA Division I athletics, and student support services.
Product overview
SDSU provides a comprehensive digital ecosystem for higher education consisting of core identity management (SDSUid), learning platforms (Canvas LMS), productivity tools (SDSU Google Workspace and Microsoft 365), and student services (my.SDSU portal). The institution has developed AI-related offerings including the Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) Micro-Credential for faculty and the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility. SDSU also operates specialized technology infrastructure including Connected Classrooms with Learning Glass technology, and research centers like the MASGA maritime R&D hub focused on AI shipbuilding automation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Fowler College of Business: Business college offering undergraduate and graduate business degrees
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Sciences
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
- College of Graduate Studies
- Weber Honors College
- SDSU Library
- Children's Center
- Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) Micro-Credential
- Aztec Recreation (ARC)
- Associated Students
- SDSU Global Campus
- SDSU Mission Valley
- SDSU Imperial Valley
Products and services
- Undergraduate Degree Programs
Quantifiable outcome
- $12.66 in statewide economic activity generated for every $1 state investment
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SDSU
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SDSU technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
SDSU partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Samsung Heavy IndustriescoreSamsung Heavy Industries and SDSU launched a U.S. maritime R&D hub on March 14, 2026, focusing on AI shipbuilding automation, robotics, and eco-friendly vessel design. The center aims to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capabilities and meet rising demand for related sensors, software, and power systems. It will host joint projects, training, and pilot testing in automation, robotics, and low-emission ship technologies.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceminorPartnership for innovation projects between SDSU and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, supporting research and collaborative initiatives in wildlife conservation and related fields.
- San Diego Unified School DistrictcoreExpanded collaboration with San Diego Unified School District as part of workforce development initiatives, teacher preparation programs, and educational pipeline partnerships serving the regional community.
- Kumeyaay Community CollegeminorPartnership with Kumeyaay Community College for expanded educational access and collaboration in the region.
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja CaliforniaminorSDSU program with Universidad Autónoma de Baja California built connections for immersive international business experience, providing cross-border educational opportunities for SDSU accounting students.
- California State University SystemcoreAs a member of the 22-campus CSU system, SDSU participates in systemwide initiatives including the AI micro-credential program expanded across CSU campuses and the San Diego Community College District.
- San Diego Community College DistrictminorAI micro-credential program expanded to the San Diego Community College District, extending faculty development initiatives beyond SDSU to regional community colleges.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SDSU competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: A leading CSU campus known for strong career outcomes and industry partnerships; directly competes with SDSU for California applicants, faculty, and STEM research dollars.
- California State University, Fullerton: A large CSU campus in Southern California with comparable scale and student demographics; competes directly with SDSU for transfer students, employer partnerships, and regional research dollars.
- San Jose State University: Another major CSU campus in California with comparable scale, R1 ambitions, and similar urban setting; competes directly with SDSU for in-state students, research funding, and employer partnerships.
Broad incumbents
- Stanford University: A leading private research university in California that competes with SDSU for top STEM students, AI and tech-industry research partnerships, and Silicon Valley/San Diego corporate relationships.
- University of Southern California (USC): A large private research university in Southern California that competes for students, faculty, and research funding in the region and Pac-12/Pac-12-aligned athletics.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): A flagship UC research university with comparable scale, R1 status, and large alumni network; competes with SDSU for California applicants, faculty, and Pac-12 athletic brand positioning.
- University of California, Berkeley: A flagship UC research university with R1 status and similar large-scale research and employer engagement; competes with SDSU for top applicants, faculty talent, and major federal research grants.
- UC San Diego: A premier UC research university in San Diego that competes with SDSU for top in-state applicants, research grants, and San Diego-based industry partnerships, but operates as a more research-intensive institution.
Regional players
- Point Loma Nazarene University: A private San Diego university with comparable regional employer relationships and student segments; serves as a local alternative for San Diego applicants considering SDSU.
- University of San Diego: A private university in San Diego serving comparable local student segments with overlapping graduate and professional programs; a regional alternative to SDSU in the same metro.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SDSU social profiles
Digital presenceSDSU financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SDSU leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
SDSU subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
SDSU funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SDSU M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SDSU
What does SDSU do?
San Diego State University is a public R1 research university delivering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs across 10 colleges and 220+ programs. It provides residential instruction at its main San Diego campus, online and continuing education through SDSU Global Campus, and serves international students via regional campuses in Imperial Valley, Georgia, and Oaxaca. Core offerings include degree completion, faculty AI micro-credentialing, applied research, NCAA Division I athletics, and student support services.
Is SDSU a public or private company?
SDSU is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was SDSU founded?
SDSU was founded in 1897. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is SDSU based?
SDSU is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does SDSU make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. State Funding (California State University) is the primary driver. The others are student Tuition and Fees, research Grants and External Funding and alumni Giving and Donor Contributions.
Who are SDSU's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California State University, Fullerton and San Jose State University. Broad incumbents are Stanford University, University of Southern California (USC), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California, Berkeley and UC San Diego. Regional players are Point Loma Nazarene University and University of San Diego.
Does SDSU have an API?
No public API is recorded for SDSU.
What industry is SDSU in?
SDSU's product category is Higher Education / Public Research University. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAI, Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems. Its NAICS code is 6113.