Most
Popular Colleges in San Diego in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Diego, CA offers preparation in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, business law, organizational behavior, statistics, and strategic management. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, operations supervisor, human resources specialist, or account manager. San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University are popular options, each offering business programs with distinct curricula and learning opportunities.

Psychology

Studying psychology in San Diego, CA, provides coursework in research methods, statistics, development, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students explore specialties through labs, internships, and community placements. Options include San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Graduates pursue roles including behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources specialist, research assistant, or social services coordinator. Clinical psychologist and therapist careers require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Diego, CA combines programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, and artificial intelligence. Students build skills through projects, labs, and internships with the region's technology and biotech employers. Popular local options include the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, or computer and information research scientists.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in San Diego, CA, typically combines psychology, human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical experience. Students may specialize in school, marriage and family, or mental health counseling. San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and National University offer relevant programs. Graduates commonly pursue work as school counselors, licensed professional clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance-use counselors, depending on degree, licensure, and employer requirements.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in San Diego, CA, can lead to associate, bachelor's, or graduate credentials and prepare students for care across settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternal-newborn care, and mental health nursing. Graduates may become registered nurses, school nurses, or public-health nurses, depending on credentials and experience. Study options include San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University.

Best Colleges in San Diego, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 29,470.5, compared with 51,860.0 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-tier figure substantially higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 65.0% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 65.0%. Schools receive an average of 18,440.17 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 53,490.0 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 680.0 men and 1,142.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,260.0 on the SAT and 26.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,464.5, including an average of 650.4 men and 853.67 women enrolled.
• The average graduation rate is 71.5%, compared with 82.0% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 72.5% for men and 82.0% for women.
• One institution offers associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees.
• There are five coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, potential students should compare total costs and financial aid availability, consider acceptance rates and applicant numbers, and review test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates to find a school that fits their academic goals and circumstances.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in San Diego, CA, is $31,848.17. For you, this is a useful starting point when comparing local options such as San Diego State University, the University of California San Diego, the University of San Diego, or nearby community colleges. Your actual bill can vary by school, program, and living arrangements, so check each institution's current cost estimate before deciding.

The reported averages for individual expenses are:

• Tuition and fees: $32,005.50
• Room and board: $18,878.67
• Books and supplies: $1,046.67

Because these category averages exceed the reported total, consider them separate figures rather than amounts to add to the $31,848.17 estimate. San Diego's local campuses and community colleges give you options to find a route that suits your goals and budget. Compare aid, commuting or housing costs, and materials, as these affect your bill. If studying close to home excites you, request estimates from schools and ask what each includes.

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

In San Diego, CA, a bachelor's degree at San Diego State University (SDSU) or the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree at a community college usually takes about two. Across the schools represented in these figures, the average graduation rate is 71.5%, meaning roughly seven in ten students graduate within the period measured. The average is 82.0% among the top 10% of schools; reported averages are 61.67% for men and 84.5% for women.

You may finish sooner by bringing in AP, IB, or transferable community-college credits, taking summer classes, or enrolling in an accelerated program. San Diego students can ask SDSU, UC San Diego, or a local community college how credits apply before enrolling; a clear degree map can save valuable time and bring graduation closer. Summer coursework is especially practical in a city with year-round educational options.

Salary

After graduating from college in San Diego, CA, you can use about $49,614 as a median alumni salary benchmark. For graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $54,704. Your own earnings may be higher or lower depending on your degree, experience, and career path.

San Diego students may attend institutions such as San Diego State University, the University of California San Diego, or the University of San Diego. These figures offer a helpful starting point as you compare programs and consider how a degree could support your goals in the region.

• Median alumni salary: about $49,614
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: about $54,704

People also ask

What is the most attended college in San Diego?

By total student enrollment, the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD) is generally the largest college in the city. It enrolls more than 45,000 students, making it a lively, bustling campus with a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and student communities to explore.

What is the richest university in San Diego?

If "richest" means the value of the university's endowment, UC San Diego is generally considered the wealthiest university based in San Diego. Endowment figures can vary by reporting year and accounting method, so comparisons are not exact. For prospective students, its substantial resources support research, scholarships, facilities, and campus programs.

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

San Diego State University offers San Diego students a large public campus with 41,184 enrolled students. Its 76% graduation rate and 36% acceptance rate provide useful context when comparing admission and completion. The listed total study cost is $18,684, while median alumni salary is $47,300. Located in San Diego, CA, SDSU can suit students seeking urban campus life, broad university resources, and local access to the region's employers, neighborhoods, and cultural activities during their degree studies and beyond graduation too.

The University of San Diego is a private university with 10,027 enrolled students, giving prospective San Diego students a smaller campus setting than SDSU. Its 84% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, and its acceptance rate is 52%. The listed total cost of studying is $58,420, alongside a median alumni salary of $56,756. In San Diego, CA, students can weigh this private campus's cost against its completion rate, alumni earnings, and proximity to city life and regional opportunities.

Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian university in San Diego, CA, with 4,953 enrolled students. Its 77% graduation rate and 84% acceptance rate offer context on outcomes and admissions access. The listed total cost of studying is $45,300, and median alumni salary is $51,927. For students comparing local options, PLNU combines a smaller enrollment than the city's largest university with a faith-oriented university identity, while keeping San Diego-area experiences and employers within reach during college and after graduation.

Design Institute of San Diego is a specialized college focused on design education, with 96 enrolled students, the smallest school in this comparison. Its 80% graduation rate and 100% acceptance rate provide admissions and completion measures for applicants. The total study cost is $29,250, and median alumni salary is $52,651. For a San Diego, CA student drawn to a focused creative-school environment, its enrollment can offer an intimate setting; compare program offerings and career fit as you plan your degree.

NewSchool of Architecture and Design is a small San Diego college centered on architecture and design, with 274 enrolled students. Its 62% graduation rate is the lowest among the five schools, while its 100% acceptance rate indicates open admissions in this comparison. The total cost of studying is $29,691, and median alumni salary is $39,776. For a San Diego, CA student pursuing a design-focused degree, consider how its specialized focus, costs, completion figures, and setting align with your goals today.