San Diego City College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About San Diego City College
Tucked into San Diego's urban core, San Diego City College blends an energetic city vibe with a grounded, teaching-first mission. The college is known for strong transfer preparation and hands-on career training, with solid footing in the arts, sciences, technology, and business. Modern classrooms, labs, and studios pair with a well-used library, tutoring and writing support, counseling, and technology resources. You'll find practical help too, from academic advising to services that keep students on track when life gets complicated.
Campus life feels welcoming and diverse, with student-run clubs, low-key performances, and pop-up exhibits that reflect the city around it. Balboa Park, nearby neighborhoods, and the coast expand the classroom into museums, trails, and internships. Career services focus on real-world readiness through resume coaching, employer meetups, and work-based learning, tapping local civic, hospitality, health, and creative sectors. The atmosphere is sincere, busy, and forward-looking, without the fuss.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
San Diego City College offers 53 degree programs across 29 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,222 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 288 graduates), Arts (6 programs, 145 graduates), Health (2 programs, 93 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 85 graduates) and Business (4 programs, 84 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 288 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 212 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 76 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Arts (6 programs, 145 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 114 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Theatre Arts | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0602 |
| Art Studies | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Dance | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0301 |
Health (2 programs, 93 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 49 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 44 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1501 |
Psychology (1 programs, 85 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 85 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Business (4 programs, 84 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 70 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0302 |
| Real Estate | 3 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1501 |
| Small Business Management | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0703 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 78 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 73 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
| Computer Programming | 4 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0201 |
| Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0601 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 73 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 73 |
|
Associate's
|
26.0101 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 52 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 52 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 46 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
45.0201 |
| Economics | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Geography | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0701 |
Communication (4 programs, 45 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 30 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0101 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0701 |
| Journalism | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0401 |
| Broadcast Journalism | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0402 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about San Diego City College
How much does it cost to attend San Diego City College?
The annual tuition at San Diego City College is $1,150 for in-state students and $9,094 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,302 for in-state students and $10,246 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $30,736 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,152.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does San Diego City College offer?
San Diego City College offers 53 academic programs across 29 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at San Diego City College?
San Diego City College provides financial aid to 5% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,979 and average loans of $3,513.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,678
- State/Local grants: $6,351
- Institutional grants: $1,415
- Federal loans: $3,513
The university supports 472 students with grants and 8 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for San Diego City College graduates?
San Diego City College graduates earn a median salary of $31,504 after 6 years and $38,503 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,991 (25th percentile) to $58,814 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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