- San Diego City College is a public, two-year community college administered by the San Diego Community College District. Other colleges in the same District are San Diego Mesa College and San Diego Miramar College. There are also six continuing education centers and the Educational Cultural Complex which offers both college and continuing education courses.
School Highlights
San Diego City College serves 13,242 students (9% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 47:1 is higher than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 13,242 students
- In-state tuition: $1,142
- Out-state tuition: $5,774
- Student-teacher ratio: 47:1
- Minority enrollment: 76%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
San Diego City College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 279 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
San Diego City College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1914
Campus Size
60 acres
Total Faculty
279 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of San Diego City College has declined by 10% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 47:1 has increased from 28:1 over five years.
The San Diego City College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
13,242 students
6,838 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
47:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
1,221 students
1,022 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
12,021 students
5,816 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
13,242 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,221 students
967 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,021 students
5,850 students
% Asian
12%
12%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
47%
46%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
9%
7%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
24%
23%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
7%
5%
% Unknown races
1%
6%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,000
$34,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,142 is less than the state average of $1,238. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,774 is less than the state average of $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 32% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,142
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,774
$6,634
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
87%
85%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,724
$10,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,798
$6,272
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- In 1914 City College held its first classes in San Diego High School located across the street from the present campus. First known as a junior college; it was the third community college established in California. The mission of City College has as its highest priority student learning and achievement. City College provides lower division general education, allowing students to earn an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement and to prepare for transfer to a four-year college or university. City College provides vocational education programs that upgrade the employment skills of students and provide occupational programs that meet specific industry needs and licensing requirements of the state of California. City College promotes economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous work force improvement. City College provides important and essential student support services, basic skills instruction, and English as a second language to assist all students in meeting their educational goals. San Diego City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. City College is also accredited by the Office of Private Postsecondary Education for the training of veterans, and the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Immigration Service for international student education. City College courses paralleling university level work are accepted by universities, colleges, and private institutions, including the University of California and California State University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does San Diego City College cost?
San Diego City College's tuition is approximately $1,142 for In-State students and $5,774 for Out-State students.
What schools are San Diego City College often compared to?
San Diego City Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like San Diego Mesa College by visitors of our site.
What is San Diego City College's ranking?
San Diego City College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
In what neighborhood is San Diego City College located?
San Diego City College is located in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
Recent Articles
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
