San Diego State University Set to Welcome Record 43,000 Students

San Diego State University (SDSU) is preparing for a significant milestone as it anticipates welcoming a record-breaking enrollment of over 43,000 students for the 2025-26 academic year, beginning on August 25, 2025. This marks the first time that the combined enrollment for both SDSU and SDSU Imperial Valley is expected to exceed 40,000 students. This surge in enrollment underscores the university’s growing appeal and commitment to education.

The university will see more than 6,600 first-year students join its ranks this fall, surpassing the previous record of 6,538 set last year. This new cohort was selected from an impressive pool of over 95,000 applicants, contributing to a total of more than 123,000 applications submitted to SDSU. Official enrollment figures will be confirmed following the 2025 Fall Census, which SDSU plans to release in October.

New Academic Programs Introduced

In addition to record enrollment, SDSU is launching new academic programs aimed at meeting the evolving needs of students. The College of Arts and Letters will introduce a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility, a pioneering degree within the California State University system. This innovative program is set to commence in fall 2026, with prospective students eligible to apply this fall. Current students will also have the opportunity to switch to this major later in the semester. The curriculum aims to integrate technical literacy with social sciences and humanities, preparing graduates for the complexities of modern work environments.

Furthermore, a new Special Education minor will be offered this fall. This minor is tailored for students pursuing teaching credentials and those majoring in fields such as social work, psychology, and speech-language pathology, reflecting SDSU’s commitment to expanding educational pathways and supporting diverse career aspirations.

As the academic year approaches, the enthusiasm among students, faculty, and staff is palpable. With a focus on academic excellence and innovative programs, SDSU continues to enhance its reputation as a leading institution for higher education in California and beyond.