Applications On Track to Set a New Record as SDSU Expands Student Support Initiatives

San Diego State University has set a new record for the number of students seeking admission to the university, receiving 76,792 first-year undergraduate applications for fall 2022 — the highest number ever. 
This total includes students from all 50 states — with a record number of first-time applicants from California — as well as 74 countries at a time when many universities across the nation are reporting declines in admissions during the pandemic. Including both first-year and transfer students, the university has received 99,027 undergraduate applications, another record. 
“This is an incredibly positive testament to the resilience of students and their families, as well as the value they place on higher education,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “A record number of San Diegans, Californians, and students everywhere see SDSU as their pathway for a brighter future.” 

SDSU has also received more than 7,000 graduate applications to date, bringing total applications to more than 106,000. Total applications are on track to set a new university record. 

“This also further demonstrates the importance that we grow, and we grow quickly,” de la Torre said. “Our campus expansion at SDSU Mission Valley and our new programs at SDSU Imperial Valley will both be essential if we are to fulfill our promise to the incredibly diverse and deserving students at our door, looking for an opportunity.”

While the application period typically ends in November, the deadline for fall 2022 admissions was extended to Dec. 15 to support families that have been impacted by COVID-19 and other hardships. The university has begun admitting early applicants and all other prospective students can expect to be notified of their admission status in March.

Higher Interest, More Student Support 

SDSU’s application numbers come in as the university continues to develop new programs and pathways for students to attend SDSU in line with the commitment to expanded degree access highlighted in the university’s strategic plan.

Last year, the university received a record-breaking $133 million in gift commitments and philanthropic support. This number represents the generosity of SDSU alumni and community members and will assist the continued effort to provide resources, support student success, and open doors and expand opportunities for students at SDSU.   These gifts include investments in the Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP) Launchpad, the Guardian Scholars program, the development of scholarships such as the Jack Gard Music Education Scholarship, which provides financial support to students in the School of Music and Dance, support for the SDSU Rocket Project, and the expansion of initiatives and programs across the campus and community including the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), which supports students in crisis and the Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund, which continues to support students who have cancer or have a family member diagnosed with cancer.

Over the last year, SDSU worked to support economically vulnerable students with funding from the federal CARES Act, formalized a memorandum of understanding between the university and the American Indian Recruitment Program to further the success of Native American youth seeking to pursue degrees at SDSU; launched a pathway project for Latinx students interested in studying STEM at SDSU and obtaining STEM careers and enhanced cultural centers on campus to provide students with safe spaces and tailored resources.

“We are incredibly proud that SDSU continues to invite such a large and diverse applicant pool,” said Stefan Hyman, associate vice president for enrollment management at SDSU. “Prospective students and families from all backgrounds continue to recognize the value of an SDSU education.”

Nico Peters, an Eastlake High School senior who was accepted to SDSU, is looking forward to beginning his studies. 

“Continuing my education at SDSU allows for me to grow and be accustomed to the other aspects in our world today, as well as allowing me to have greater skills and knowledge for my occupation,” Peters said. 

“Both my parents are Aztecs and they loved their time at the university and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.” 

National Recognition for Student Efforts 

SDSU continues to be the number one CSU campus for research and is nationally recognized for its programs and student academic success. Recent recognitions include:

• Being named a Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State, becoming one of only 35 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) in the nation to receive the first-ever recognition
• Being named a “top producer” of Gilman Scholars by the U.S. State Department, recognizing the 215 SDSU students who have used the scholarship to study abroad
• Ranking No. 3 in the nation for the number of students who studied abroad during the 2019-20 academic year in the most recent Open Doors report 
• Receiving Federal Designation as an AANAPISI-Eligible Institution, acknowledging the university’s commitment to serving students who identify as Asian American, Southeast Asian American, Desi American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
• Being named one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible campuses by The Princeton Review for its commitment to sustainability
• Ranking No. 67 among public universities in the U.S. and a top-10 international business program by U.S. News & World Report
• Being named to the 2022 edition of “The Best 387 Colleges” by The Princeton Review, highlighting the university’s academic offerings, quality of life and green rating
• Being named to the company’s “Best Value Colleges” list
• Being named one of Campus Pride Index’s Best of the Best Colleges and Universities in the United States for its support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students