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Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA·Private for-profit·92 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. median debt of $36,844 is above average; earnings barely cover the debt load. 55% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

88%
Accept
92
Students
N/A
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$42,300
Earnings
10 yr
$36,844
Debt

About This School

Design Institute of San Diego is a private for-profit institution located in San Diego, California with approximately 92 undergraduate students enrolled. Design Institute of San Diego has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. In-state tuition is $29,350 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $42,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, and those who do leave with around $36,844 in debt while earning a median of $42,300 a decade later — a tight margin that leaves little financial cushion. Worth considering if you're deeply committed to interior design and want a small, focused environment (just 92 students), but the low retention rate suggests many students reconsider early on, so be honest with yourself about fit and financing before enrolling.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$29,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,350
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants55%
Median debt at graduation$36,844

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$36,844
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$36,844
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.1x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian9%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (92 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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