SDSU Academic Calendar

San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, California, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many public universities in the United States. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer session for additional coursework. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in mid-May. SDSU also offers a short Winter Intersession in January for intensive courses, providing students with flexibility to accelerate their studies or explore specialized topics outside the regular semester structure.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on historical data). Classes begin for the Fall term, marking the start of the academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus is closed in observance of the national holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated). A short break for students and faculty to celebrate the holiday.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–20, 2025 (estimated). End-of-semester assessments for Fall courses.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after the Winter Intersession.
• Spring Break: March 30–April 3, 2026 (estimated). A week-long break for students to recharge mid-semester.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact dates TBD). Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Application Opens: October 1, 2024 (estimated). The application period begins for the Fall 2025 admission cycle via the Cal State Apply system.
• Regular Decision Deadline: November 30, 2024 (estimated). Final date to submit applications for Fall 2025 admission; highly competitive programs may have earlier priority deadlines.
• Admission Notification: March–April 2025 (estimated). Applicants are typically notified of decisions during this period.
• Intent to Enroll Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Admitted students must confirm their enrollment by this date.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 (estimated). Recommended date to submit FAFSA or CA Dream Act applications for maximum aid consideration.

The academic calendar at SDSU aligns closely with regional and national norms for public universities in California, particularly within the California State University system, ensuring consistency for students transferring between institutions. Key holidays like Thanksgiving and Labor Day are observed, providing predictable breaks. The Winter Intersession offers unique flexibility, especially for international students or those seeking to complete degree requirements ahead of schedule. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are subject to change, as official calendars are typically published closer to the academic year. SDSU’s scheduling also accommodates a diverse student body with considerations for cultural and religious observances where possible.