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Colleges / CA / San Diego
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San Diego Mesa College

Public San Diego, CA · Urban · Far West · 80% data reported · Agent Insights
34%
Graduation Rate
$45,120
Earnings (10yr)
$5,814
Net Price
16,098
Enrollment

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Overview

San Diego Mesa College enrolls over 16,000 students, making it one of the largest community colleges in California. With a net price of just $5,814, it stands out for affordability in higher education. This is crucial for students looking to minimize debt while pursuing their degrees.

According to Opportunity Insights data, the college's economic mobility outcomes are less defined, but it serves a diverse student body, including a 16% Pell Grant rate. This indicates a commitment to supporting low-income students, which can play a significant role in upward mobility and access to better job opportunities.

Graduates of San Diego Mesa College earn a median income of $45,120 within ten years of completing their studies. With a median debt of only $4,725, students can graduate with manageable financial obligations. Those who thrive here are typically focused on practical fields such as Business, Health Professions, and Psychology, aiming for careers that lead to stable employment and growth.

How San Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation34%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$6KMedian Debt$5KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$4K$0-30K$5K$30-48K$9K$48-75K$14K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,146
In-State Tuition
$10,002
Out-of-State
$5,814
Avg Net Price
$4,725
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
2%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$3,842
Family Income $0–$30K
$5,316
Family Income $30K–$48K
$8,883
Family Income $48K–$75K
$13,977
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,773
6 Years After Entry
$40,734
8 Years
$45,120
10 Years
0.1x
Debt-to-Earnings
53%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,773 6yr $40,734 8yr $45,120 10yr

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.23
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.10
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.8%
Volunteering Rate
0.89
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Full-Time Faculty 38%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,642
Diversity Index 0.72
First-Gen Students 49%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 18%
Humanities 16%
Health Professions 11%
Psychology 8%
Biology & Biomedical 6%
Social Sciences 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Computer Science & IT 4%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region Far West
Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Predominant Degree Associate's
Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female
53%
White
28%
Hispanic
42%
Black
7%
Asian
13%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →