CSU Tuition Authority, Policy Framework & Right to Modify Fees
Tuition and fees at the California State University are established with the goal of minimizing student costs; however, they remain subject to change based on available public funding and institutional needs. As a result, the university reserves the right to adjust or modify tuition and fees, even after initial assessment or payment.
All published tuition and fee amounts should be considered estimates pending final approval by the CSU Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or campus presidents, as applicable. Changes to mandatory systemwide tuition are implemented in accordance with the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (California Education Code Sections 66028-66028.6).
Students are responsible for any additional amounts due resulting from approved changes. For the most current information regarding tuition and fee structures, including updates for the 2027-2028 academic year, students should refer to the University Bursar’s Office website.
Basic Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Basic tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of units in which a student is enrolled. Applicable systemwide tuition and fees are established by the California State University and are subject to change. Fee payment information and instructions are available in the Money Matters section of the University Bursar’s Office website.
Students enrolled as auditors are assessed the same tuition and fees as those enrolled for credit. Nonresident students are required to pay additional tuition, as described in a separate section. For fee assessment purposes, thesis extension courses, zero-unit courses, and half-unit courses are counted as one unit.
A complete schedule of tuition and fee amounts by student classification and enrollment level is published in the CSU Tuition and Fees section of the catalog.
Tuition and fees include both systemwide tuition and campus-based mandatory fees that support student services and campus programs. These fees include, but are not limited to, the Student Body Association Fee, Student Body Center Fee, Health Facilities Fee, Instructionally Related Activities Fee, Health and Wellness Fee, Library Use Fee, and Student Success Fee, in addition to basic tuition determined by unit load and student classification.
Students enrolled at SDSU Imperial Valley are assessed a separate set of campus-based mandatory fees specific to that location.
Mandatory systemwide tuition fees may be waived for eligible students in accordance with the California Education Code. Additional information is provided in the “Fee Waivers and Exemptions” section of this catalog.
In addition to systemwide tuition and mandatory fees, students may be assessed other campus-based fees. Information regarding these fees is available through the University Bursar’s Office website.
An optional Student Involvement and Representation Fee (SIRF) of $2 per term supports the California State Student Association. This fee is voluntary, and students may opt out each term. Additional information is available through the University Bursar’s Office website under Tuition and Fees.
Graduate Business Professional Program Fee
Graduate students enrolled in designated programs within the Fowler College of Business are assessed a professional program fee of $321.00 per unit for all units taken as a requirement for graduation. This fee is assessed in addition to basic tuition and fees and any applicable nonresident tuition.
Applicable programs include:
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MS Accountancy
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MBA Master of Business Administration
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MS Business Administration
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MS Information Systems
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MS in Cybersecurity Management
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MS in Global Business Development
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BS in International Business/MS Global Business Development
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MS in Finance
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MS in Supply Chain Innovation
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MS in Financial and Tax Planning
A fee waiver is available for courses not used to meet degree requirements, excluding prerequisite coursework. Students should contact the Graduate Business Programs Office, Lamden Hall, Room 448, for additional information.
Nonresident Tuition and Fees (Foreign and Out-of-State)
Nonresident tuition is assessed in addition to basic tuition and fees and other systemwide charges. Tuition is charged for all units attempted, and the total nonresident tuition due per term is determined by the number of units enrolled. For fee assessment purposes, zero-unit and half-unit courses are counted as one unit.
The nonresident tuition rate is $471.00 per unit. Mandatory systemwide fees may be waived for those who qualify under applicable provisions of the California Education Code.
International students are required to maintain health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. The cost of coverage is approximately $1,800 per year.
Beginning Fall 2023, incoming out-of-state and international students are required to pay an additional per-semester fee until graduation. This fee increases annually from $500 in 2023-2024, to $1,000 in 2024-2025, and to $1,500 in 2025-2026, and $1,554 in 2026-2027.
Fee Waivers and Exemptions
California Education Code provides for waivers and exemptions from mandatory systemwide tuition fees for qualifying individuals, including eligible military members and dependents, foster youth, recipients of specific state and federal benefits, and other statutorily defined populations.
Eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and application procedures vary by program. Students are advised to consult the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the Registrar, or the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center for current guidance.
For more information, refer to the CSU Tuition and Fees page.
Over 60 Fee Waiver Program
San Diego State University offers a fee waiver program for California residents 60 years of age and older. Eligible participants may receive waivers for the admission application fee, basic tuition fee, health and wellness fee, and Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee, and may also receive reductions in certain campus-based fees. Enrollment is subject to space availability and regular admission requirements. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions.
Student Financial Responsibility and Liability
Whether or not an invoice is received, students are financially responsible for all tuition and fees associated with their enrollment. Charges are assessed for all units held or added after the twelfth instructional day of the term, or as otherwise defined by university policy.
Nonresident students (foreign and out-of-state) are responsible for all applicable tuition charges for enrolled units and must ensure payment is made in accordance with university deadlines. Nonresident tuition must be paid prior to the first day of instruction. Students are responsible for monitoring their accounts and ensuring all balances are paid in full.
Nonresident students must pay or sign up for the Tuition Installment Plan for a minimum of 12 units (9 units graduate) at the time of registration. Undergraduate foreign students wishing to pay fewer than 12 units and graduate students wishing to pay fewer than nine units must submit an approved Application for Reduced Course Load available through the International Student Center.
Additional charges resulting from changes in enrollment must be paid at the time they are incurred. Late payments are subject to additional fees and service charges.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
Following your enrollment into courses, Tuition and fees must be paid by the payment deadline located in your my.SDSU Financial Account Tile.
Payments are accepted for the exact amount of fees. Overpayments of $10.00 or less are refunded only upon request.
If your payment for tuition and fees is returned by the bank for any reason, your registration may be canceled and you will be billed a dishonored payment charge of $35.00 and late fee of $50.00 if applicable.
Payment of tuition and fees should be made online or by check or money order. The university reserves the right to refuse payment by personal check or eCheck from those individuals who have previously had items returned unpaid by their bank.
Refunds may be applied against other amounts due to the university.
Log into your my.SDSU account to view charges, due dates and make a payment.
More information about paying tuition and fees can be found via the University Bursar’s Office’s website.
Third-Party Payment Processing (ILLUMIA formerly TRANSACT™)
In partnership with Illumia formerly Transact™ (a secure third party payment solution), students and their families are able to use MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Card to pay their Tuition and Fees each semester.
The University Bursar’s Office does not accept credit cards for in-person payment of Tuition and Fees or Housing.
Payments made using Illumia/Transact™ are normally posted to the student’s account in real time.
Illumia/Transact™ assesses each customer a 2.65% service charge based on the transaction amount.
Student Debts and Financial Obligations to the University
In accordance with Title 5, California Code of Regulations Sections 42380 and 42381, the university may withhold permission to register, restrict access to services or facilities, or withhold other institutional privileges from any person owing a debt to the institution until the debt is paid.
The institution may also refer unpaid debts to collection agencies, report debts to credit bureaus, offset amounts against state tax refunds where applicable, and charge collection costs, including attorney’s fees if litigation is required.
The university may not withhold official academic transcripts due to unpaid debts; however, transcript processing fees may still apply.
Students who believe they do not owe all or part of an asserted obligation may contact the University Bursar’s Office for review. The university will evaluate all relevant information and provide a determination based on institutional records and policy.
For more information on Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution, refer to the CSU Tuition and Fees page.
Administrative and Financial Holds on Student Accounts
All administrative and financial holds must be cleared prior to the enrollment of classes. See “Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution”on the CSU Tuition and Fees page of the catalog.
Acceptance of payment by the university does not constitute completion of registration or guarantee of services if any kind of administrative or financial hold exists.
Depending on the situation, you may be required to clear your hold with cash, money order, or certified check.
Administrative and financial holds must be cleared prior to registration and may restrict access to university services. Payment of outstanding charges does not automatically remove a hold; students must satisfy all conditions associated with the hold. In certain circumstances, payment may be required in certified funds.
Late Fees and Penalties
Late fees are assessed when students fail to meet established registration or payment deadlines. A late registration fee is assessed for students who do not enroll in at least one course prior to the first day of instruction, although newly admitted students may be exempt. Additional late fees may apply for missed payment deadlines, housing charges, and other administrative obligations as outlined in university policy.
Returned Payments (Dishonored Payments)
If a payment is returned or not honored by a financial institution for any reason, the student will be assessed a dishonored payment fee of $35.00 and a late fee of $50.00 when applicable. Nonpayment of tuition or fees may result in cancellation of registration and withholding of university services until all financial obligations are resolved.
The university reserves the right to restrict the use of personal checks, electronic checks, or credit cards for individuals with prior returned payment history.
Refunds of Tuition and Mandatory Fees and Withdrawal
Regulations governing refunds of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, are contained in Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. Mandatory fees include systemwide and campus-based fees required for enrollment in state-supported academic programs.
Students who cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction are eligible for a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, less an administrative charge established by the campus. Procedures and deadlines for cancellation and withdrawal are available through the Office of the Registrar.
Students who withdraw during the term or drop all courses prior to the designated drop period may receive a prorated refund based on the portion of the term completed. No refund is issued after the 60 percent point of the term.
Students who reduce their unit load within the designated drop period may receive a refund of the difference, less applicable administrative charges. Refunds are not provided for short-term courses unless withdrawal occurs prior to the first instructional meeting or established deadline.
Refunds may also be issued for administrative error, course cancellation, ineligibility due to institutional error, or military activation. Students not otherwise eligible may petition for consideration under exceptional circumstances.
Appeals for Exception to Refund Policy
Students may petition for an exception to refund policy based on documented exceptional circumstances. A Petition for Special Consideration may be obtained from the University Bursar’s Office and must be submitted prior to the end of the twelfth week of instruction. Refund exceptions are granted only when extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated, and approval is determined by the chief financial officer or designee based on whether tuition and fees have been earned by the institution.
Return of Title IV Financial Aid
The return of Title IV financial aid is governed by federal law under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (Public Law 105-244). When a student who has received federal financial aid withdraws or fails to complete a period of enrollment, the university must determine the amount of aid earned based on the percentage of the term completed.
Unearned aid must be returned to federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. If funds were disbursed directly to the student, repayment may be required. In certain cases, students may be eligible for post-withdrawal disbursement, and the university will notify the student if applicable.
For more information refer to the University Bursar’s Office.
Parking and Transportation Fees
Parking at San Diego State University is a self-supporting program and is not included in the cost of attendance. Parking fees are unbundled from tuition and mandatory fees. Students may choose from hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and semester parking options. Availability and rates are subject to change.
Those who do not park at SDSU’s facilities are not required to pay for parking, and SDSU offers many services to support students that choose to save money on vehicle costs. Learn more about transit, car sharing, vanpooling, and bike/scooter programs here: https://parking.sdsu.edu/commuting
Parking refunds are not automatic and must be requested through Parking and Transportation Services. Refunds are prorated based on unused time, rounded down to the nearest dollar, and may include an administrative fee unless resulting from a system error.
SDSU is served by regional public transportation, including trolley and bus routes, and offers discounted transit pass programs for eligible students. Additional information is available at https://parking.sdsu.edu/commuting and https://parking.sdsu.edu/permits/student.
Cost of Attendance and Student Budgets (Financial Aid Purposes)
San Diego State University establishes standard student budgets in coordination with the California State University system that meet federal requirements. These budgets are updated annually to reflect inflation and changes in cost conditions.
The cost of attendance includes tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies, housing and food, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Budgets vary depending on whether a student lives on campus, off campus, or commutes from home. These budgets are used to determine financial aid eligibility and represent standard estimated costs, not individual expenditures.
Current cost of attendance information is available on the SDSU Financial Aid website.
Miscellaneous Fees and Charges
Miscellaneous fees are assessed as applicable for specific services, administrative actions, or course-related requirements. These fees are generally payable at the time services are rendered. Because fees are subject to change, students should refer to the University Bursar’s Office website for the most current information.
Miscellaneous Fees
(Fees payable when service is rendered.)
Administrative citation fee (enforcement of smoking, bicycling and skateboard violations): $75.00
Adobe Creative Suite License Fee: $25.00 per year
Application for admission or readmission (nonrefundable): $70.00
Athletic cheer team membership fee (fee range based on planned competitions and available resources): $500 to $1,500
Athletic winter guard membership fee (fee range based on yearly travel plans): $1,200 to $1,500
Counseling Diversion Program fee: $100.00
Counseling Diversion Program fee (missed appointment): $30.00
Credential application fee*: $55.00
Credential evaluation fee: $25.00
Credit by examination fee: $100.00
Diploma replacement fee: $20.00
Document copying fee (per page): $1.00
Enrollment confirmation deposit (nonrefundable): $400.00
First Year Experience Fee: $348.00
Graduation services fee: $181.00
Graduate Student Experience fee: $300.00
Graduate Student Health Insurance (GSHIP): $2,088.00 for Fall 2026; $2,862.00 for Spring and Summer 2027
Interest inventory assessment fee: $10.00
Internet reconnect fee (wired/wireless): $150.00
Late fee (failure to meet administratively required appointment or time limit): $20.00
Late Housing fee payment: $50.00
Late key fee: $30.00
Late Non-Resident payment **(Not on Installment payment plan): 10% of Outstanding Balance
Late registration (nonrefundable): $50.00
Late Tuition fee payment: $50.00
Latin diploma fee: $30.00
Lock and locker fee (optional): $1.00
Loss of or damage to library materials: Replacement cost plus service Charge: $8.00
Lost key fee (per key) (Late fee also charged when applicable): $50.00
Musical instrument and audio/visual equipment fee: $20.00
Music Recital Fee (half solo/junior recital): $80.00
Music Recital Fee (full solo/senior recital): $100.00
Photo-identification card (one-time cost to new undergraduate and graduate students at time of registration (nonrefundable): $25.00
Photo-identification card replacement fee: $25.00
Police report fee: $10.00
Basic Tuition & Fees installment payment plan service charge (nonrefundable): $60.00
Resident affiliate program (RAP) fee: $25.00
Returned payment fee**: $35.00
Teacher Education Credential Application processing/advising fee: $25.00
Tow fee: $150.00
Towel fee (optional): $4.00
Transcript of record, official (per transcript): $15.00
Official Transcript of Record, On-Demand (per transcript): $25.00 for first transcript and $10.00 for each additional on-demand transcript printed at the same time.
Non-Resident Installment Payment Plan service charge is equal to 10% (of each installment payment).
Vehicle immobilization fee: $150.00
*Established by and payable to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
**Late fee also charged when applicable.
Additional Information and Resources
Students should consult the following official resources for the most current information regarding tuition, fees, and financial obligations:
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SDSU Money Matters (comprehensive overviews of tuition and fee structures, payment options, installment plans, important deadlines, and financial policies)
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University Bursar’s Office (billing statements, payment processing, due dates, refund policies, fee explanations, and account services information)
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Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (financial aid eligibility, FAFSA processing, grants, loans, scholarships, disbursement schedules, and aid-related policies)
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Housing and Residential Education (housing charges, payment schedules, license agreements, meal plans, and housing-related financial obligations)
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my.SDSU Student Portal (real-time account balances, charges, payment deadlines, financial holds, and access to the Financial Account Tile)
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SDSU Global Campus (extended education program fees, special session tuition, and professional or certificate program costs)
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