SDSU Fowler vs San Diego (Knauss)
Which MBA program is right for you?
SDSU Fowler
San Diego (Knauss)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | SDSU Fowler | San Diego (Knauss) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #93 | #99 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47% | 67% |
| Avg. GMAT | 621 | 586 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.42 | 3.1 |
| Class Size | 50 | 35 |
| Avg. Salary | $92,000 | $78,000 |
| Employment Rate | 92% | 80% |
| Annual Tuition | $12,420 | $39,000 |
The Verdict
Choose SDSU Fowler if…
you want a public university MBA with strong local employer relationships and more affordable tuition in San Diego.
Full SDSU Fowler Profile →Choose San Diego (Knauss) if…
you want a private university experience, smaller class, and the University of San Diego's Catholic educational tradition.
Full San Diego (Knauss) Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Fowler (#93) and Knauss (#99) are San Diego's two MBA programs, competing for candidates committed to staying in the region. SDSU's larger program and public university price point compete against USD's smaller class and private university brand. Both serve San Diego's military, biotech, and tourism-driven economy.
Career Markets
San Diego's economy centers on military/defense (Navy, General Atomics), biotech (Illumina, Dexcom), tourism, and a growing tech scene. Both schools recruit from the same employer base. SDSU's larger alumni network in the region provides broader connections. USD's smaller class gets more individualized career attention.
The Honest Take
For San Diego careers, both programs produce comparable outcomes. SDSU Fowler's lower tuition and larger network make it the practical choice for budget-conscious candidates. USD Knauss offers a more personal experience. The 6-spot ranking difference is meaningless. Choose based on cost, class size preference, and campus culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable?
SDSU Fowler is significantly cheaper, especially for California residents. USD Knauss is a private university with higher tuition but may offer merit scholarships that close the gap.
Which is better for defense industry?
Both have strong connections to San Diego's defense sector. SDSU has a larger alumni base in the industry. USD has growing defense and cybersecurity connections. Neither dominates this space.
Can I recruit outside San Diego from these schools?
Both schools recruit primarily regionally. National recruiting from either program is limited. If you want to leave San Diego after graduation, consider a higher-ranked program with broader national reach.