San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university founded in 1897 as the San Diego Normal School. Located just south of Lake Murray in the San Diego metro, SDSU now has over 14 colleges including the Fowler College of Business and the School of Theatre, Television, and Film. The graduation rate at SDSU is 83%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 25:1, meaning the 33,000 students can anticipate large lecture-format classes.

SDSU has an endowment of about $300 million and a philanthropic partner in The Campanile Foundation that oversees funding for internal and affiliated university interest groups. The school has cultivated corporate partnerships with companies like Intel, Microsoft, and KPMG for funding and post-graduation job placement options for qualifying students. Those interested in studying abroad should note that SDSU has partner programs in Brazil, Mexico, India, and China.  

Students at SDSU have many options for activities outside of the classroom and can support their Aztec athletic teams that compete in Division 1 football, baseball, and soccer. In town, students can visit the San Diego Zoo, tour the USS Midway Museum, and explore the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Notable alumni include actor Gregory Peck, basketball player Kawhi Leonard, and the face of Apollo Creed, Carl Weathers.