SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - More than 700 underclassmen moved into dorms at San Diego State University Thursday, and a new report says a growing number of them are from out of state.
A new analysis by USA Today says 78 percent of SDSU's incoming freshman were from California students in 2017. That compares to 88 percent in 2012.
Out-of-state students pay an extra $11,880 in tuition each year.
"The cost is definitely a part of it, but, just, Florida isn't as appealing. Too hot, too humid," said Jackson Noye, an incoming freshman from Jacksonville. "Nothing can really beat San Diego."
The University called the study "a bit misleading." In a statement, it said enrollment for in-state and out-of-state students is increasing, and that any suggestion it is prioritizing out-of-state students is untrue.
"The number of students SDSU can admit and teach, as defined by the resident target enrollments, is contingent upon the amount of state funding allocated," the statement read in part. "SDSU is given an enrollment target for in-state students every year, and the state only provides funding to teach the targeted number of students. For that reason, SDSU currently enrolls the number of students funded."
While freshman admission may be getting more competitive, many times students have a better chance of getting in to their top choice as a transfer.
"The most selective public four-year universities often have higher acceptance rates for transfer applicants than first-year applicants," said Craig Meister, an admissions consultant.
Rob Franek, editor and chief of the Princeton Review, said in addition to having solid test scores and a high GPA, students can set themselves apart by showing their desire to go to their top choice. In other words, get in touch with admissions counselors and attend university events.
Franek said many of those interactions can be tracked by universities over time.
