California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City

$15,390Tuition

1,410Students

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City

This career-focused technical institute draws 1,410 students to its National City campus in the San Diego metro area. The school specializes in hands-on training for automotive technology, welding, and other skilled trades. Students work with industry-standard equipment in programs designed to get them job-ready quickly. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention in workshop settings.

Students pay an average net price of $22,688 annually, regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $52,372 in their first year after completion, which helps justify the investment. Monthly loan payments average $235 for those who borrow. Only 16.48% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families seeking career training. The 80% employment rate shows strong job placement success.

The student body is overwhelmingly male at 80.92%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated trades the school serves. Nearly 28% of students are Black and 22% are White, with significant Hispanic representation at 15%. All students come from California, making this a local training center for San Diego-area industries. The "Other" calendar system suggests flexible scheduling designed around working students' needs.

Academics & Faculty

This private technical college focuses on career-oriented programs in technology and skilled trades. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors can provide hands-on guidance with industry equipment. Students pursue concentrated programs in fields like automotive technology, HVAC systems, and electronics repair. The school's "Other" calendar system allows for flexible scheduling around intensive lab work and practical training. With 1,410 students, the campus maintains a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone knows their classmates. The curriculum emphasizes real-world skills over theoretical study. Most programs prepare students for immediate entry into technical careers rather than transfer to four-year universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 60.4%

Campus Life

The 1,410 students at this technical institute experience a focused, hands-on environment just 8 miles south of downtown San Diego. With 81% male enrollment, the campus has a distinctly technical atmosphere where engineering and technology programs dominate conversations. The small class sizes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know your name and track your progress closely.

National City's year-round mild climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F. Students often spend weekends exploring nearby San Diego beaches or working on technical projects in well-equipped labs. The diverse student body reflects the region's demographics, with 28% Black and 22% White students creating a multicultural learning environment. Only 16% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families who value the specialized training. The 80% employment rate demonstrates the school's strong industry connections, though the $235 monthly loan payment reflects the financial commitment required for this career-focused education.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Other

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 9.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This National City technical institute draws exclusively from California, building its reputation as a local career-focused option. Men make up 81% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on technical and engineering programs. The diverse enrollment includes significant Black and Hispanic representation at 28% and 15% respectively. Only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the school attracts middle-income families seeking practical training. With 1,410 students and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, the intimate setting allows for hands-on learning in specialized technical fields.

Men: 80.9%
Women: 19.1%
White: 22.3%
Black: 27.8%
Hispanic: 15.3%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.5%

Location

California Institute of Arts & Technology sits in National City, just 8 miles south of downtown San Diego. The campus draws students to San Diego County's densely populated urban corridor. National City borders the Mexican border region, creating a diverse cultural environment that reflects the school's student body composition of 27.80% Black and 15.32% Hispanic students. The suburban setting offers access to both San Diego's tech industry and coastal amenities. All 1,410 students come from within California, suggesting strong regional ties to the area's workforce needs. The proximity to major employers likely contributes to graduates earning a median of $52,372 one year after completion. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California Institute of Arts & Technology with similar schools in the region.

Address: National City, California 91950-6610

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition like at California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City?

The school enrolls 1,410 students with a heavily male-skewed population at 80.92% men and 19.08% women. The student body is diverse, with 27.80% Black students, 22.34% White students, and 15.32% Hispanic students. All students are California residents, creating a regional focus for this technical institute.

How much does California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,688 despite tuition being set at $15,390 for all students. Graduates typically leave with $22,209 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $235.

What are the academic conditions like at California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City?

The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized instruction. The institution operates on a non-traditional calendar system, reflecting its focus on technical and career-oriented programs. Only 0.85% of students receive institutional grants averaging $3,953.

Does California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City lead to good job prospects?

Graduates achieve an 80.0% employment rate within one year of completion. The median earnings of $52,372 one year after graduation suggest the technical training translates into solid career opportunities. The school's focus on arts and technology appears to prepare students for in-demand fields.

Where is California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City located and what's the setting like?

The campus sits in National City, California, in a large suburban setting just south of San Diego. The location provides access to Southern California's tech and creative industries while maintaining a more affordable suburban environment. The proximity to the Mexican border adds to the area's cultural diversity.

Is California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City affordable for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $22,473, while those from $30-48,000 income families pay $22,876. Only 16.48% qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves fewer low-income students than typical colleges. The consistent pricing across income levels suggests limited need-based aid availability.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.