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🎓 San Diego State University Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know
San Diego State University (SDSU) is one of California’s most popular public campuses—and for good reason. But when it comes to scholarships, families are often surprised to learn that SDSU doesn’t offer a lot of automatic merit aid, especially for out-of-state students.
That doesn’t mean there’s no help available. SDSU offers a wide range of competitive scholarships, private donor awards, and need-based grants—but students need to meet key deadlines and submit the right applications to qualify. If your student is a California resident, they may also qualify for state-level aid like the Cal Grant or Blue & Gold Plan.
This guide breaks it all down for 2025–2026: which scholarships exist, who’s eligible, and how to figure out what SDSU will really cost your family—whether you live in California or not.
📚 Cost of Attendance | 🟦 Automatic Scholarships | 🏆 Competitive Scholarships | 💎 Hidden Gems | 🎓 Honors College | 📝 What To Do Next
📚 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)
Here’s what families can expect to pay before scholarships or aid are applied:
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $8,300 | $20,180 |
| Room & Board | $18,300 | $18,300 |
| Books, Supplies, Misc. | $3,200 | $3,200 |
| 📊 Estimated Total | $29,800 | $41,680 |
SDSU’s average net price for in-state students is around $13,000–$14,500/year after grants. Out-of-state students typically pay closer to $27,000–$30,000/year unless awarded significant aid.
🟦 Automatic Scholarships
That said, SDSU does automatically consider California residents for certain need-based programs (like the Blue & Gold Plan) if they submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application by the March 2 deadline. Pell-eligible students may also receive additional grant funding, especially if they are first-gen or attend under-resourced high schools.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pell Advantage / EOP Grants | Low-income, Pell-eligible students (CA residents) | Varies (up to full tuition + housing) | Must submit FAFSA and qualify for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) |
| Cal Grant A or B | California residents; FAFSA/CADAA by March 2 | Up to full systemwide tuition + access grant | GPA verification required through your high school |
| Institutional Grant (SUG) | California residents with financial need | $1,000–$6,000 | Automatic if eligible via FAFSA/CADAA |
Because SDSU doesn’t publish GPA-based merit charts or auto-award based on academic stats alone, families should plan ahead and apply for all possible need-based aid. Scholarships are available—but they’re not guaranteed.
💬 FAQs: Automatic Scholarships at San Diego State
Does SDSU offer automatic merit scholarships?
No. SDSU does not offer automatic scholarships based solely on GPA or test scores. All scholarships are either need-based or competitive. Students must apply through the Aztec Scholarships portal and/or submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application to qualify.
What is the State University Grant (SUG)?
SUG is a need-based institutional grant for California residents attending SDSU. If your family qualifies based on the FAFSA or CADAA, the award is automatically added to your financial aid package—no extra application needed.
Can out-of-state students qualify for need-based aid?
In most cases, no. SDSU’s institutional need-based aid (like SUG or EOP support) is reserved for California residents. Out-of-state students can still submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal aid (like Pell Grants or student loans), but they won’t qualify for California grants.
Is there a minimum GPA for Cal Grant or SUG eligibility?
Cal Grant A requires a 3.0+ GPA (unweighted); Cal Grant B requires a 2.0+ and high financial need. Your high school usually submits a verified GPA to the state. SUG doesn’t have a public GPA cutoff but is based on demonstrated need and timely FAFSA submission.
Do need-based grants at SDSU cover housing too?
Sometimes. Grants like Cal Grant B and EOP may include a “student access” or living stipend that helps with housing, especially for low-income students. But most grants at SDSU are designed to cover tuition first. Room and board costs often require additional aid like loans, work-study, or outside scholarships.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Most scholarships at San Diego State are competitive and application-based. SDSU uses a platform called Aztec Scholarships where students can apply for hundreds of campus-based awards with a single application. These awards may be based on GPA, financial need, leadership, community service, major, or a combination of factors.
There are no published GPA cutoffs or guaranteed awards—but many scholarships go to students with strong academics and thoughtful application materials. Some awards also favor students in the Honors College or those involved in specific departments.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Diversity Scholarship | High-achieving students with underrepresented backgrounds | $5,000–$7,500/year | Application required; often includes leadership or service criteria |
| Weber Honors College Awards | Students accepted into the Honors College | $1,000–$7,500 | Many Honors students receive additional funding; amounts vary |
| College- and Major-Based Awards | Varies by department; usually GPA + major | $500–$5,000 | Examples include scholarships for STEM, business, arts, or education majors |
| Private Donor Scholarships | Depends on donor’s criteria (major, identity, service, etc.) | $1,000–$6,000 | Most are accessible via the Aztec Scholarships portal |
To be considered for these awards, your student should complete the Aztec Scholarships application (opens in spring) and submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act by March 2. Essays and short responses are often required, so start early.
💬 FAQs: Competitive Scholarships at SDSU
How do students apply for competitive scholarships at SDSU?
SDSU uses a platform called Aztec Scholarships. Students fill out one general application, and the system matches them to scholarships they’re eligible for. Some scholarships require additional questions or essays.
When does the Aztec Scholarships application open?
It typically opens in late spring or early summer (around April–May) for the following academic year. Students must also have a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application on file to be considered for most awards.
Do you need to be in the Honors College to get scholarships?
No. While some scholarships are reserved for Weber Honors College students, many awards are available to all SDSU students based on GPA, background, service, or major. Honors students may have access to additional funding opportunities.
Can out-of-state students receive competitive scholarships?
Yes, but they are not guaranteed. Out-of-state students can apply for SDSU’s competitive scholarships through Aztec Scholarships, but most awards are modest and do not cover the full nonresident tuition surcharge.
Are these scholarships stackable with other aid?
Usually, yes. SDSU allows students to stack most institutional and private scholarships with grants, Pell funding, and loans—though some awards may reduce unmet need or replace other aid. Always check with the financial aid office if you receive multiple awards.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at SDSU
San Diego State doesn’t just offer big-name scholarships through its honors or academic departments—there are also dozens of lesser-known awards for students involved in marching band, arts, community service, or identity-based groups. These awards may not be front-and-center during the application process, but they can be stacked and are often more accessible than competitive merit aid.
| Scholarship or Program | Who It’s For | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marching Aztecs / Pep Band Scholarships | Students in SDSU’s athletic bands | Varies | Audition required; open to all majors; renewability may depend on participation |
| Performance & Arts Scholarships | Music, theater, dance, or visual arts students | $500–$3,000 | May require portfolio or audition; available through the College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts |
| First-Generation Student Awards | Students whose parents did not earn a 4-year degree | $1,000–$4,000 | Available through Aztec Scholarships; often tied to financial need |
| Identity-Based & Cultural Center Scholarships | Students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds | $500–$5,000 | Many are donor-funded; examples include Latinx, Black Resource Center, LGBTQ+ Pride Center, and more |
| Service & Leadership Awards | Students involved in volunteering or activism | $500–$2,500 | Emphasize your impact in the Aztec Scholarships essay |
These types of scholarships can often be stacked with other aid and renewed annually. Many are awarded through the same Aztec Scholarships application—just make sure your student highlights their background, involvement, or talents clearly in their responses.
💬 FAQs: Hidden Gem Scholarships at SDSU
How do students apply for these smaller scholarships?
Most are included in the Aztec Scholarships portal. Your student fills out one application and is matched with eligible awards—including donor-funded, identity-based, and departmental opportunities. Some may require additional essays or short responses.
Can my student get a scholarship just for being first-generation?
Yes—SDSU offers multiple donor-funded awards for students whose parents did not complete a 4-year college degree. These often require financial need and are awarded through the general Aztec Scholarships process.
Are band and arts scholarships open to non-majors?
In most cases, yes. Marching Aztecs and pep band scholarships are open to students in any major. Arts scholarships may require auditions or portfolios but are not always limited to arts majors. Students should contact the relevant department for details.
Can my student receive multiple scholarships?
Usually, yes. Many of these hidden gem awards are stackable, meaning your student can combine a band award, first-gen scholarship, and a donor-funded leadership award in the same year. Just be sure to submit everything on time and follow up with financial aid if needed.
When should we start the Aztec Scholarships application?
The application typically opens in spring (April–May) for the following academic year. Encourage your student to start early, prepare thoughtful responses, and highlight their community involvement, talents, or background clearly.
🎓 Honors College
San Diego State University’s honors program is called the Weber Honors College. It offers a more personalized academic experience with small classes, research opportunities, priority registration, and special advising. Unlike some other universities, SDSU’s Honors College requires a separate application—students are not automatically invited based on GPA alone.
The Weber Honors College is open to both California and out-of-state students. While it does not come with an automatic scholarship, many honors students also receive competitive or donor-funded awards through the Aztec Scholarships portal.
| Program | How to Qualify | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Honors College |
Requires separate application Strong academics (typically 4.0+ HS GPA) Emphasis on service, leadership, and intellectual curiosity |
Priority registration, small honors seminars, research support, study abroad funding, access to Honors housing |
Students interested in Weber Honors should apply early in their senior year. The application usually opens in October and includes short essay responses. Participating in the Honors College can also increase access to certain competitive scholarships and undergraduate research grants.
💬 FAQs: Weber Honors College at SDSU
Does the Honors College come with a scholarship?
Not automatically. Being accepted into Weber Honors does not guarantee a scholarship—but many Honors students also receive competitive or donor-funded awards through the Aztec Scholarships portal. Some funding opportunities are only available to Honors students.
How selective is the Weber Honors College?
Admission is competitive. Most accepted students have a high school GPA of 4.0 or above and show strong engagement through service, leadership, or academic curiosity. The application includes short essays and typically opens in October of senior year.
Is Honors housing required?
No, but it’s highly encouraged. Honors students can live in a dedicated Honors Residential Learning Community, which offers social and academic support—but it’s not mandatory.
Can out-of-state students join Weber Honors?
Yes. The Honors College is open to both in-state and out-of-state students. It does not reduce the nonresident tuition surcharge, but it can increase access to scholarship and research funding.
Is it worth applying to the Honors College?
If your student is academically strong and looking for smaller classes, deeper engagement, and priority registration, it can absolutely be worth it—especially for those planning to pursue research, grad school, or competitive internships.
📝 What To Do Next
- Apply to SDSU by the CSU deadline (November 30) — there’s no Early Action
- Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act by March 2
- Complete the Aztec Scholarships application in spring
- If applying to the Honors College, complete the separate application (opens in October)
- Highlight service, leadership, first-gen status, or special talents in all scholarship applications
- Use our Brag Sheet Builder to help your kid stand out
🧰 Parent Tools: These free resources can help you stay organized and give your kid an edge:
If SDSU is on your list, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most popular campuses in California. While there aren’t many automatic scholarships, the school does offer stackable aid, donor awards, and support for first-gen students. With the right planning, SDSU can still be an affordable and valuable option—especially for in-state families.