Most
Affordable Colleges in San Diego in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Diego, CA combines management, accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Students build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through projects, internships, and case studies. Popular options include San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Graduates pursue roles such as management trainee, marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations coordinator, with opportunities across healthcare, technology, tourism, and nonprofit organizations.

Psychology

Studying psychology in San Diego offers access to research labs, community agencies, and diverse populations. Courses commonly include developmental, cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and neuroscience. Popular options include San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Graduates often pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, research assistant, or human resources specialist.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Diego, CA offers access to technology programs and a growing tech industry. Courses typically include programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include University of California, San Diego, San Diego State University, and University of San Diego. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, web developers, or machine learning engineers across startups and established companies.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in San Diego, CA, combines supervised fieldwork. Typical courses commonly include counseling theories, ethics, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment counseling, and practicum or internship experiences. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, college advisors, or case managers; clinical positions require supervised hours and licensure. San Diego institutions offering counseling-related degrees include San Diego State University, University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Alliant International University.

Nursing

Studying nursing in San Diego, CA offers options from associate to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Students typically study anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and community health, alongside supervised clinical practice. Choices include San Diego State University, University of San Diego, UC San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, and San Diego City College. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, public health nurses, or nurse educators, depending on degree and licensure.

Best Colleges in San Diego, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 13,614.0, compared with 40,617.3 at schools in the top 10%, making the overall median substantially lower.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students, versus 65.0% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 65.0%. Schools receive an average of 13,830.88 applicants, compared with 38,897.2 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 139.5 men and 55.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1260.0 on the SAT and 26.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 11,383.0, including averages of 542.0 men and 731.71 women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.9%, compared with 80.4% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 60.0% for men and 77.0% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, 14 offer bachelor's degrees, 13 offer master's degrees, and 7 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 9 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the cost and availability of financial aid with your budget, and weigh acceptance rates and applicant numbers alongside SAT and ACT averages. Also consider enrollment, graduation outcomes - including the differences in median graduation rates for men and women - and the degree options and school settings that fit your goals.

How much does studying at a college in San Diego, CA cost?

The average reported total cost of getting a degree in San Diego, CA, is $20,447.21. For a local student, treat this as a broad planning figure rather than a guaranteed full-program bill: your actual cost depends on the college, degree length, residency status, housing, and financial aid. San Diego State University, UC San Diego, and the University of San Diego are popular options, but the averages below are not school-specific quotes.

• Average tuition and fees: $20,856.36.
• Average room and board: $23,397.67; books and supplies: $1,033.33.
• Compare commuting from home with campus housing, and check scholarships, grants, and transfer pathways to lower your out-of-pocket expense.

Because the listed tuition and housing figures exceed the reported total, read them as separate estimates, not as a verified degree budget. Ask each school for a current cost-of-attendance breakdown, then estimate your full program by multiplying annual expenses by expected years and subtracting available aid.

How long does it take to finish college in San Diego, CA?

At a San Diego college, plan on about two years for an associate's degree and usually about four years for a four-year bachelor's degree when studying full time. A bachelor's may take longer if you attend part time, change majors, or need prerequisite courses. At UC San Diego or San Diego State University, your timeline depends on your program, credits, and course availability.

The reported average graduation rate is 62.9%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 80.4%. Rates average 53.0% for men and 69.5% for women. Rates vary by campus and don't predict your own outcome. Planning early helps you stay on track.

For a confident head start and a faster path, consider:

• Bring in AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits accepted by your college.
• Take summer or winter-session classes and map prerequisites with an advisor.
• Start at San Diego Mesa College or another community college, then transfer eligible credits to a four-year university.

Salary

For San Diego-area college graduates, the median alumni salary is $52,651. At schools in the top 10%, the median is $72,491.80. These figures are benchmarks, not guaranteed starting salaries; your earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer.

If you're comparing options such as San Diego State University, UC San Diego, or the University of San Diego, consider how each school's programs fit your career goals. Your degree can open doors to opportunities in San Diego's diverse job market, and it's encouraging to have these salary figures as a reference while planning your next step.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in San Diego?

Costs depend on the school, residency, and whether you live at home. California residents at San Diego community colleges pay $46 per unit - about $1,380 for 30 units, before campus fees. Tuition and fees at public four-year universities are typically several thousand dollars more each year; housing, food, books, and transportation can raise the total substantially. Private colleges and nonresident tuition generally cost more.

What college in San Diego has the lowest tuition?

For tuition-free, noncredit classes, San Diego College of Continuing Education is a low-cost option, though its programs generally do not lead to a college degree. For degree-seeking students, San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges charge California's standard $46 per unit for residents, so there isn't one clear lowest-tuition winner among them. Fees and eligibility can vary.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in San Diego, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

San Diego State University is a large public university in San Diego, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate study in a lively, research-oriented setting. It enrolls 41,184 students, with a 76% graduation rate and a 36% acceptance rate. The reported total study cost is $18,684, while median alumni salary is $47,300. For a student staying in San Diego, SDSU combines local access with a substantial campus community; compare program-specific expenses and outcomes before choosing a degree field carefully.

National University is a San Diego-based private institution known for serving learners seeking career-focused and flexible higher education. Its enrollment is 30,847, and its graduation rate is 43%; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The listed total cost of study is $13,284, and median alumni salary is $67,059. Its local base may appeal to students who want to study near home while exploring programs designed around professional goals. Check the schedule, delivery format, and exact tuition for your intended degree before applying.

San Diego Mesa College is a public community college in the San Diego area, offering an accessible starting point for college study and pathways toward further education. It enrolls 19,212 students; its graduation rate is 35%, and acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The reported total cost is $9,960, with median alumni salary of $43,607. For local students, Mesa can provide an option for building foundations or pursuing career preparation. Review transfer agreements, program availability, and fees to plan your next steps.

California Miramar University is a small private university in San Diego, offering a more compact setting than the area's largest campuses. Its reported enrollment is 253 students, graduation rate is 50%, and acceptance rate is 18%. Total study cost is listed at $9,744, and median alumni salary is $31,082. Its small student body may suit learners seeking a less expansive campus environment close to home. Ask about class formats, available majors, and aid when comparing degree options for their goals.

United States University is a private, career-oriented institution in San Diego, offering an option for students who want to pursue higher education locally. It enrolls 2,454 students. Graduation and acceptance rates are not available in the supplied data, so compare other measures of student progress and admissions directly with the university. The reported total study cost is $6,328, and median alumni salary is $111,108. Treat that salary figure as a broad outcome indicator, not a guarantee, and verify program details.