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San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA·Public·15,899 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state California residents. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 15,899 students.

N/A
Accept
15,899
Students
N/A
Net Price
34%
Grad Rate
$43,100
Earnings
10 yr
$4,725
Debt

About This School

San Diego Mesa College is a public institution located in San Diego, California with approximately 15,899 undergraduate students enrolled. In-state tuition is $1,150 per year. The graduation rate is 34%, and the typical graduate earns $43,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

San Diego Mesa College is a public community college in San Diego, California. It is part of San Diego Community College District and the California Community Colleges system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

The numbers tell a mixed story here: median debt at graduation is a very manageable $4,725 — among the lowest you'll find anywhere — but the 34% graduation rate means a lot of students start without finishing, so you'll need to be intentional about staying on track. Median earnings of $43,100 a decade out are modest, making this a better fit if you're planning to transfer to a four-year school than if you're treating it as a final credential. Worth considering if you want an affordable entry point into higher education in San Diego, but come with a clear plan and use advising resources early.

Founded
1963

Notable Alumni

Annette Bening

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$1,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,094
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$4,725

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
34%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$4,725
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$4,725
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 9.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White28%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino41%
Asian14%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (15,899 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

San Diego Mesa College

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

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.
Trademarks

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