When talking about universities in San Diego, the school that often comes up is San Diego State University, commonly referred to as SDSU.

Korean parents tend to think of UCSD first. Since UCSD has a strong reputation as a research-focused prestigious university, some consider SDSU to be a step below. However, after hearing from people who work and do business in San Diego, it becomes clear that SDSU is not a school to be underestimated.

Founded in 1897, it has a significant history. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system and has over 30,000 enrolled students, making it a large university. You can meet SDSU graduates almost anywhere in San Diego.

One of the biggest advantages of this school is its local network. If you plan to work or start a business in San Diego after graduation, having a strong alumni network can be a surprisingly powerful asset.

The majors offered are diverse. The Fowler College of Business is well-known for accounting, finance, marketing, and management, while engineering, education, public health, media, and hospitality are also popular fields. From a Korean parent's perspective, the availability of practical majors that lead to employment after graduation is a favorable aspect.

And the most curious topic is tuition.

If you are a California resident, you can expect to pay around $9,000 to $10,000 per year in tuition and fees directly to the school, which includes CSU's basic tuition and SDSU campus costs. However, this is primarily focused on tuition and essential fees; housing, food, textbooks, and transportation costs are separate.

If you live in San Diego and can commute while living with your parents, the situation changes completely. You can save significantly on housing and living expenses, which can greatly reduce the cost of attending a four-year university. Therefore, for Korean families with a home in San Diego, SDSU is a very realistic choice.

On the other hand, if you choose to live independently in dorms or apartments near the school, the total cost, including housing and food, can easily exceed $30,000 per year. Out-of-state students will incur additional non-resident tuition fees, which will further increase costs. So, if you hear that "SDSU has low tuition," it's essential to recalculate the total expenses before coming from out of state.

Admission is not as easy as it used to be, just because it's CSU. SDSU is one of the more competitive schools within the CSU system, especially for popular majors like business, nursing, and engineering.

Campus life is quite vibrant. If you enjoy sports, it will be a lot of fun. The Aztecs basketball team is well-known nationwide, and the atmosphere on campus changes significantly on football game days. In 2023, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament finals, bringing the school's name into the national spotlight.

There are Korean students as well. However, unlike some UC campuses where you can expect to see a continuous presence of Korean students while walking around, it may be a bit different here. Still, through student organizations like the Korean Student Association, Korean students can connect, and there is a Korean community in San Diego, so finding Korean food, churches, and markets is generally not a problem.

If I were in your position, I would compare SDSU with UCSD if my child wanted to study deeply in research, graduate school, or the medical/science fields. Conversely, if they want to study business or practical majors and work in San Diego or Southern California after graduation, I see SDSU as a very good option.

Especially if you can apply California resident tuition and commute from home, the cost-effectiveness becomes really good.

Choosing a university shouldn't be based solely on its name. When considering how much it will actually cost over four years, what major your child will pursue, and where they want to work after graduation, it becomes clear why SDSU remains a popular choice among San Diegans.