About San Diego Mesa College
The financial picture makes Mesa College strongly accessible. Students actually receive money back through financial aid, with an average net price of negative $904. Even families earning up to $75,000 pay only $3,115 annually after aid. Graduates earn a median of $45,120 ten years after enrollment, making this one of the best educational investments available. Student debt remains minimal at $4,725, with monthly loan payments averaging just $50.
Mesa College fields 19 varsity sports teams with 407 total athletes competing as an independent program. The school maintains strong ties to the local community, with 97.54% of students coming from in-state. Only 15.56% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves a broad economic spectrum while maintaining its commitment to affordability.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,120
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $41,565 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $32,284 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,228 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,669 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $26,739 |
| Biology, General. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Sociology. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,035 |
Campus Life
As a community college, Mesa has no dorms, so the 97.54% in-state student body commutes from across San Diego County. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes, but professors know the local job market well. With 55.28% women, the campus leans slightly female. Weekend life revolves around San Diego's beaches, hiking trails, and cultural districts rather than traditional college parties. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflected in the relatively low 15.56% receiving financial aid. The campus stays active during the day but empties out in the evenings as students head home or to work.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 28.1%
- Black
- 6.7%
- Hispanic
- 40.9%
- Asian
- 14.2%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.6%
Location
- Address
- San Diego, California 92111-4998
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,120
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,452
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $50/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $4,725
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at San Diego Mesa College?
San Diego Mesa College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school GPA or test scores. With 15,899 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the San Diego area. The school primarily attracts local students, with 97.54% coming from in-state.
How much does San Diego Mesa College cost after financial aid?
In-state students pay just $1,150 in tuition annually, making Mesa one of the most affordable college options in California. The average net price is actually negative $904, meaning most students receive enough financial aid to cover tuition and have money left over for other expenses. Students typically graduate with only $4,725 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $50.
What is the student-faculty ratio at San Diego Mesa College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means students may find themselves in crowded classrooms. Mesa operates on a semester system and has built a reputation for strong transfer programs to four-year universities. The college serves a diverse student body, with 40.86% Hispanic students and 28.13% white students.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at San Diego Mesa College?
The six-year graduation rate is 33.80%, reflecting the reality that many community college students attend part-time or take breaks from their studies. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,120 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 83.2%. These outcomes are solid for a community college that serves many first-generation college students and career changers.
Where is San Diego Mesa College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in San Diego's Clairemont neighborhood, providing students access to one of California's most desirable cities. With 407 athletes competing in 19 varsity sports as an independent institution, Mesa offers more athletic opportunities than most community colleges. The campus serves 55.28% women and 44.72% men in a large city setting.
Does San Diego Mesa College offer good value for career preparation?
Founded in 1963, Mesa has established itself as a launching pad for both four-year transfers and immediate workforce entry. Students earn $33,074 just one year after graduation, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in job preparation. The school's location in San Diego's thriving economy, combined with its extremely low cost, makes it an exceptional value for career-focused education.
