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Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA·Private for-profit·77 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; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. strong 80% graduation rate; 51% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

100%
Accept
77
Students
$44,010
Net Price
80%
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 77 undergraduate students enrolled. Design Institute of San Diego has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 100%. The average net price after financial aid is $44,010 per year. The graduation rate is 80%, 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.

Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,708

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$29,300
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,300
Avg Net Price
$44,010
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants51%
Median debt at graduation$36,844

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
80%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
0%
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

White45%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino18%
Asian8%
Two or more races1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander1%
International4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (77 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Design Institute of San Diego

8555 Commerce Ave

San Diego, CA 92121

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

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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