SDSU searching for status

Our very own San Diego State University made it to TIME Magazine’s World’s Top Universities of 2026.   

This news comes just one year after SDSU officially achieved R1 status: The highest ranking an institution can get for its research activity. This classification places SDSU among the top 5% of universities nationwide — a major milestone in the university’s climb to prestige.

The university has also been climbing in popularity, which doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, the university recently reported receiving 120,526 applications for fall 2026. There were fewer first-year applicants as compared to last year, but many more transfer and graduate students.

Only time will tell which lucky students will make it in, but if it’s anything like the trend we’ve been seeing over these past few years, it will likely get more crowded.

SDSU and the city have planned for this. Recently, the City Council approved a controversial new community plan that could add nearly 18,000 homes to the College Area.

If any SDSU alums or long-time residents want to share how they’ve seen SDSU change over the years — I’m all ears! Shoot me an email at calistas@timesofsandiego.com.

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