Public · Mostly associate degrees · Large city

San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, California. 16,098 undergraduates.

42%Graduation rate5 pts above the national median for similar colleges (38%)
$21,767Average net price per year119% above the national median for similar colleges ($9,953)
$50,947Median earnings 10 years after starting13% above the national median for similar colleges ($45,146)
$5,225Median debt at graduation56% below the national median for similar colleges ($12,000)
Our read

Graduates' median debt ($5,225) equals 10% of former students' median earnings ten years after starting ($50,947). That is a light load relative to pay.

What families actually pay

Under $30,000$21,890
$30,000–$48,000$14,214
$48,001–$75,000$22,073
$75,001–$110,000$25,039
Over $110,000$35,822

Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, by family income. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Compare net price across collegesPublished tuition and fees: $1,154 in-state, $10,010 out-of-state.

Do students finish, and what do they earn?

MeasureThis collegeSimilar colleges nationally
Graduation rate42%38%
Return for second year—64%
Median earnings, 6 years after starting$42,791$40,416
Median earnings, 10 years after starting$50,947$45,146
Median debt at graduation$5,225$12,000

Graduation rate within 150% of normal time; retention is the share of first-year students who return. Earnings are medians for former students who received federal aid, working and not enrolled. National comparison is the median for colleges of the same type (mostly associate degrees).

Programs and what graduates earn

79 programs reported
ProgramGraduates / yrMedian earnings, 1 yrMedian earnings, 5 yrsMedian debt
Mathematics42—$71,633—
Biological and Physical Sciences118$38,269$68,127$6,250
Business Administration, Management and Operations249$47,195$63,435$5,875
Business/Commerce, General30—$62,339—
Communication and Media Studies54—$60,523—
Health and Medical Administrative Services27$38,611$58,693—
Biology, General120$41,015$56,838$9,000
Political Science and Government31—$54,182—
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities110—$53,120$9,000
Psychology, General148$28,820$51,968$8,178
English Language and Literature, General28—$51,018—
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics24—$50,117—
Sociology36—$49,902—
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness26—$48,637—
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services31$55,472$47,610—
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians18$36,288$44,786—
Design and Applied Arts16—$43,612—
Natural Resources Conservation and Research5———
Architectural Sciences and Technology6———
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies7———
Journalism8———
Graphic Communications11———
Computer and Information Sciences, General14———
Computer Science48———
Computer Software and Media Applications8———
Culinary Arts and Related Services10———
Engineering, General13———
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics12———
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics1———
American Sign Language8———
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services7———
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services19———
Apparel and Textiles2———
Philosophy4———
Physical Sciences, General1———
Chemistry7———
Physics20———
Social Sciences, General1———
Anthropology10———
Economics19———
Geography and Cartography10———
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection9———
Visual and Performing Arts, General4———
Dance1———
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft3———
Fine and Studio Arts46———
Music7———
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions10———
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions29———
Accounting and Related Services16———
Hospitality Administration/Management6———
Real Estate12———
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations3———
History16———

Program-level medians for graduates who received federal aid. A dash means the Department of Education suppressed the figure to protect privacy, usually because the program is small. At four-year colleges, certificate graduates often earned a bachelor's at the same time, so their earnings can reflect the degree. Source: College Scorecard, field of study data.

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Quick answers

How much does San Diego Mesa College cost per year?
The average net price at San Diego Mesa College, what students pay after grants and scholarships, is $21,767 per year. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much do San Diego Mesa College graduates earn?
Former San Diego Mesa College students earn a median of $50,947 a year ten years after starting college. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at San Diego Mesa College?
42% of San Diego Mesa College students graduate within 150% of normal time. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much student debt do San Diego Mesa College graduates have?
The median federal student debt at graduation from San Diego Mesa College is $5,225. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.