About San Diego City College
The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students receive an average net price of negative $818, meaning financial aid actually covers more than tuition costs. After graduation, median earnings reach $38,503 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $7,689 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $82. This represents one of the strongest return-on-investment profiles among community colleges.
The student body reflects San Diego's diversity, with 48.81% Hispanic students and 98.22% California residents. Only 1.14% of students take federal loans, suggesting most fund their education through work or family support. The Knights compete in 13 varsity sports with 163 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the urban commuter environment. An 83.3% employment rate shows graduates successfully launch careers or transfer to four-year universities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,503
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,854 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $59,124 |
| Biology, General. | Associate | $31,839 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $26,121 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,596 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,922 |
Campus Life
Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (48.81%), reflecting San Diego's border culture and creating a active multicultural environment. Since 98.22% of students come from in-state, most already know the area's beaches, Balboa Park, and Gaslamp Quarter entertainment district. Weekends often mean work rather than campus activities, as many students balance jobs with their studies. The Knights compete in 13 varsity sports with 163 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. With an average net price of negative $818, many students actually receive more financial aid than tuition costs, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive San Diego County.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1914
Campus Safety (2023)
30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 50°–66°F
- July Avg
- 66°–75°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.4%
- Women
- 53.7%
- White
- 22.9%
- Black
- 9.5%
- Hispanic
- 48.8%
- Asian
- 10.3%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.0%
Location
- Address
- San Diego, California 92101-4787
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,503
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,078
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $82/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,689
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at San Diego City College?
As a community college, San Diego City College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 10,584 students and has been providing accessible higher education in downtown San Diego since 1914. Nearly all students are California residents, with 98.22% coming from in-state.
How much does San Diego City College cost after financial aid?
Students at San Diego City College actually receive an average net price of negative $818, meaning financial aid covers more than tuition costs. In-state tuition is just $1,150 per year, while the college provides substantial support through federal aid programs. Students from families earning $30,000-$48,000 annually pay only $1,062 net price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at San Diego City College?
San Diego City College maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on transfer preparation and career training. Students can choose from programs that lead to associate degrees or certificates in various fields.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at San Diego City College?
The college has a 24.5% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,503 ten years after enrollment, and 83.3% of students are employed after completing their programs. The college serves a diverse student body with 48.81% Hispanic and 22.85% White students.
Where is San Diego City College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in downtown San Diego, giving students access to internships and job opportunities in California's second-largest city. The Knights compete in 13 varsity sports with 163 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. The urban setting attracts students who want city amenities while attending an affordable community college.
Does San Diego City College help students with loan debt?
Students graduate with relatively low debt, with a median debt load of just $7,689 and monthly loan payments of $82. Only 1.14% of students take out federal loans, reflecting the college's affordability and strong financial aid support. The loan repayment rate stands at 29.64%, and most students avoid significant debt through the college's low-cost structure.
