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San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA·Public·16,098 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a large campus community. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 16,098 students.

N/A
Accept
16,098
Students
$5,814
Net Price
35%
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 16,098 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $5,814 per year. The graduation rate is 35%, 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
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$10,642

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Health Professions11%
Psychology8%
Biological Sciences6%
Social Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Computer Science4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

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
$1,146
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,002
Avg Net Price
$5,814
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$3,842
$30–48k$5,316
$48–75k$8,883
$75–110k$13,576
$110k+$13,977

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

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

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
35%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$4,725
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$34,300
Female graduates$29,400

Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

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/Latino42%
Asian13%
Two or more races8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (16,098 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

San Diego Mesa College

7250 Mesa College Dr

San Diego, CA 92111-4998

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.

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.
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