Sandra LawsFinding the right college in San Diego can feel overwhelming, especially when you want the best school to kick off your career. We know that grads usually look for a campus with lots of things to do, while busy working adults prefer flexible evening classes.
Of course, you’ll want time for fun too, like hitting the beach or even taking swimming lessons on weekends. But most important is finding a school that offers a little extra support, like tutoring.
Now, without further ado, meet our recommended colleges below, known for their great programs and student resources.
How much does enrolling in a college cost in San Diego?
Tuition in most colleges in San Diego varies, with most community colleges starting at about $1,380 per year, while private universities come with an annual cost of around $82,000.
Public universities fall in between, with significantly higher tuition for out-of-state or international students.
| Institution Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Public Universities (In-State Resident) | $35,444 – $38,505 |
| Public Universities (Out-of-State / Non-Resident) | $51,764 – $76,800 |
| Private Universities (Comprehensive Undergraduate) | $82,264 |
| Community Colleges (California Resident) | ~$1,380 |
| Community Colleges (International / Non-Resident) | $12,000+ |
1. San Diego Mesa College
Website: https://www.sdmesa.edu/
Address: 7250 Mesa College Dr.
Contact: 619-388-2682
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
San Diego Mesa College is known for having one of the highest student transfer rates in California, so it’s a great place to start if you’re aiming high. There’s even an advanced honors program here with a direct transfer partnership with UCLA.
We’re able to interview a student who was getting ready to transfer to a University of California campus. She mentioned that her counselor at Mesa College helped map out her whole plan perfectly.
What’s more, there’s also a unique four-year bachelor’s degree in health information management. Just keep in mind that popular classes fill up fast, so you might have to deal with long waitlists when signing up.
Also, processing special student records can be a little slow at times.
Customer Reviews
Grew into a fulfilling technical writing career
I attended Mesa College full-time for three years after high school. I can’t put into words how much it changed my life. All the staff were so encouraging and kind whenever I had questions or had trouble deciding what classes to take, especially Dr. Primoza and Dr. Hands. I went from being a high school almost-dropout to a UC Berkeley honors graduate, and grew into a fulfilling technical writing career. Those opportunities opened up for me thanks to my time at Mesa. It’s a place I’ll cherish in my heart forever.
- Renée CS | Google Review
Provided me with various opportunities
Love this College. It has provided me with various opportunities and supports, way better than City College. There’s a lot of things I still haven’t get to know yet but I’m looking forward to learn more and utilize everything the school gives.
- Tuấn Anh Phan Vũ | Google Review
2. San Diego College of Continuing Education
Website: https://sdcce.edu/
Address: 4343 Ocean View Blvd.
Contact: 619-388-4956
Hours: Monday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
San Diego College of Continuing Education is one of the biggest providers of completely free adult education in California. Their focus is on lifelong learning and career growth, so it’s no surprise that they’ve served the community for over 100 years.
They offer accredited, noncredit programs in areas like healthcare, business, and information technology.
Flexible schedules, including both day and evening classes, are available too. With this, it’ll be easy for working professionals to build new skills while still keeping up with their jobs.
Just be aware that reaching someone by phone can take a while. A lot of students said that their customer service is often slow, and that the staff can sound a bit rushed or dismissive during busy hours.
Customer Reviews
Great campuses with updated equipment
Amazing free classes! Great campuses with updated equipment. Why did I pay for my undergrad degree again? The only downfall is that some of the people in the classes may be a little slower to grasp concepts than others. Patience is a virtue when receiving free education.
- Joniene Swick | Google Review
3. Pacific College of Health and Science
Website: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/prospective/locations/san-diego
Address: 7445 Mission Valley Rd, Suite 105
Contact: 619-574-6909
Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Pacific College of Health and Science is known for their focus on integrative medicine, combining Eastern and Western healthcare in advanced programs for acupuncture and nursing.
When you enroll here, you can go for anything from basic certificates to doctoral degrees. You’ll also love their flexible online learning options that mix remote study with hands-on clinical training.
We talked to a holistic nurse who graduated from their online program, and she loved how supportive and knowledgeable the faculty mentors are.
On the downside, administrative support can be pretty slow. Several students were disappointed with the long phone wait times and delayed email responses from the admissions office.
Customer Reviews
If you’re looking for a good school
I went to 3 different tcm schools. By far this is the most professional school I’ve been to and most comprehensive program I’ve been in. Not only they are adept at Chinese medicine they also have a great orthopedic program based on Chinese medicine and orthopedic medicine combined . Out of all the schools I’ve been to pacific college also has a great massage therapy program based on Tui Na (Medical Massage). If you’re looking for a good school this is the place I would highly recommend.
- Jon Cena | Google Review
Fortunate to have the history with this institution
Even after having graduated from the New York campus over 20 years ago (then known as PCOM), I still verbalize to others my gratitude for being trained in Traditional Oriental Medicine. From being able to help the community through the practice of acupuncture and adjunct modalities to acquiring self-care skills rooted in the ancient tradition, I’m fortunate to have the history with this institution that I do.
- Justin Jaucian | Google Review
4. University of San Diego
Website: https://www.sandiego.edu/
Address: 5998 Alcalá Park
Contact: 619-260-4600
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want a hands-on, focused learning experience, the University of San Diego could be a great choice.
With a small 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll take classes that are truly personal and get to know your professors across all seven schools. These close connections and smaller classes help a lot when it comes to landing good jobs after graduation.
What’s more, the campus itself is beautiful and located near the border, giving you amazing views and even more opportunities to make professional connections.
Just keep in mind that private tuition is costly, and some students feel the high price doesn’t always match the quality of teaching. Plus, a few departments have classes that haven’t been updated in years.
Customer Review
A great university
Dustin Hollabaugh graduated with honors? It certainly wasn’t for his English or spelling. He is an alumnus, not an alumni. Oh, by the way, he doesn’t know how to use too instead of to. It is a great university for its professors, campus, climate and location. It gives the person who barely got by in college a chance to excel in graduate school so that once they graduate they become a part of the alumni.
- Vince Ammirato | Google Review
The faculty and curriculum were excellent
I attended this school in the 1990s as a chemistry major. The faculty and curriculum were excellent. If you have never been, I recommend a guided tour by the admissions office. I’m proud to have attended USD, and I hope my children will have an opportunity to attend as well.
- Tyler Johnson | Google Review
5. University of California San Diego
Website: https://www.ucsd.edu/
Address: 9500 Gilman Dr.
Contact:858-534-2230
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Navigating a huge public university is way easier at UC San Diego because of its unique eight-college system.
This setup breaks up the big student body into smaller, more personal residential communities. You’ll get your own academic advisors and different general education requirements.
The university’s strong academics and generous financial aid make it a top choice for anyone interested in biotechnology or engineering.
And, as a top research school, the campus can let you team up with a billion-dollar research program, all right next to the amazing La Jolla coastline.
Just be ready for parking on campus because it can be a real headache. The permit system is confusing, the enforcement is strict, and finding a spot before morning classes can easily test your patience.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful campus with so much to do in the area
Walking around University of California San Diego made it clear to me that it’s a major STEM community where their are limitless possibilities for those studying engineering. Even then it’s a beautiful campus with so much to do in the area.
- Mauricio Alvarez Leon | Google Review
Highly professional teachers and administrative staffs
It is no doubt to give five stars to UC San Diego. Big space, well infrastructure, and new construction going to host students on campus. Highly professional teachers and administrative staffs are the keys to the choice of matter.
- Mini Rag | Google Review
