San Diego Mesa College
About San Diego Mesa College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
San Diego Mesa College teaches on a hill above the city and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Business, psychology and biology are its largest programs, and it sends a large share of its students into the University of California and Cal State systems.
Founded
1963
Location
San Diego, California
Students
16,098
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
34.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$1,146
Out-of-state: $10,002
Avg Net Price
$5,814
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$45,120
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
34.8% complete their degree within three years
Retention
Not reported
Transfer Out
15.7%
The federal survey collects no first-year retention cohort for this college.
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
37.7%
$/Student
$4.6K
Class Size
Large
The 34.8% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$1,146
In-State
$10,002
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,371
After Financial Aid
$5,814
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,842
Receive Grants
15.7%
Take Loans
1.8%
Tuition is $1,146/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $5,814.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at San Diego Mesa College fund their education.
While in School
15.7%
Get Grants
Free money
1.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$18,693
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$4,725
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$50/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $4,725, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends San Diego Mesa College.
Gender
55%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
16,098
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
48.8%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
32.1%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 45% of the student body. 48.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
16,098
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
San Diego Mesa College fields 12 varsity teams with 458 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
CCCAA
California Community College Athletic Association
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
458
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
67% / 33%
306
Men
152
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of San Diego Mesa Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,120
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$41K
254 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$50K
106 grads
4yr Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences
$20K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$45K
101 grads
4yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$51K
52 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Diego Mesa College
How much does San Diego Mesa College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at San Diego Mesa College?▾
How much do San Diego Mesa College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.