What Is It Known For?
San Diego City College has a rich history dating back to 1914 when it opened as the first community college in San Diego. Starting with just 34 students and 4 instructors, it has grown significantly over the years.
Today, this public two-year college serves more than 17,000 students each semester. Located in downtown San Diego, it offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including 250 majors and certificate programs. The San Diego Community College District oversees the college’s operations.
Degrees & Certifications
San Diego City College offers a diverse range of academic programs, with 250 majors and certificate options. Students can pursue popular fields like Humanities, Cyber Defence, Business Administration, and Psychology.
The college organizes its programs into five main schools:
- Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Telecommunication
- Business, IT, Cosmetology, Engineering, and Trades
- Health, Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Athletics
- Mathematics, Sciences, and Nursing Education
- Behavioral and Social Science, Consumer and Family Studies
Beyond these schools, the college provides additional courses in subjects such as Arabic, Gender Studies, and Personal Growth. For a complete list of academic programs, visit the college’s official website.
Class Schedules
San Diego City College caters to students with different schedules and preferences. The college offers on-campus classes, fully online courses, and a mix of in-person and virtual learning options. Morning sessions start as early as 8 am, while evening classes run until 10 pm, giving students flexibility to manage their academics alongside other responsibilities.
For health-related programs, the college provides clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings, giving students hands-on practice in their field.
Is It Legit?
Yes. San Diego College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The school also has programmatic accreditation for different courses.
Acceptance Rate
San Diego City College has an open admission policy with a 100% acceptance rate. The main requirement is a high school transcript showing at least a 2.0 GPA (“C” average).
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at San Diego City College varies based on residency status. California residents pay about $1,104 for tuition, plus some extra fees. Out-of-state students face higher costs, with a $46 enrollment fee and $356 per unit for non-resident tuition, totaling around $7,440 for undergraduate studies.
While additional fees can increase overall costs, the San Diego Promise program offers a helpful option. This program gives eligible students up to two years of free tuition and health fees.
To better understand your estimated cost of attendance, we suggest using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Communications
Healthcare
- Exercise Science, Nutrition, & Health
- Psychology
- Fitness Specialist
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Graphic Design
- Theatre
Skilled Trades
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology
- Electronics
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Nursing
- Machine Technologies
Technology
- Cybersecurity
Campus Locations
San Diego 1313 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, San Diego City College is overwhelmingly praised for its high-quality faculty and positive campus atmosphere, though its administrative and support services, particularly financial aid and parking, are frequent pain points for students.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
- Exceptional and Knowledgeable Professors: The most frequent and strongest praise is reserved for the instructors, who are consistently described as “super kind,” “knowledgeable,” “awesome,” and “top notch.” They are noted for being helpful and eager to assist students.
- Excellent Programs and Equipment: Students highlight the quality of specific departments, such as the Film and Media program, which is commended for its professors who have industry experience and its “top notch” teaching and equipment.
- Positive Campus Atmosphere: The campus itself receives frequent positive mentions for its “Great atmosphere,” being an “Exceptional institution of higher learning,” and its role as a host for community events. Reviewers also appreciate the detailed and beautiful “landscape design,” with its wide variety of plants and greenery.
- Community College Value: The institution is seen as a smart, affordable starting point for many, with one reviewer advising prospective students to “Save yourself some cash and begin your [education] here.”
Common Criticisms
- Poor Communication and Accessibility (Front Office): A persistent and long-standing criticism is the difficulty in reaching administrative staff. Students report being unable to get people on the phone, even during listed hours, and feeling that employees “don’t care” about assisting them with sign-up or basic enrollment processes, with one stating, “No one is ready to help you.”
- Financial Aid Office Issues: The Financial Aid office is specifically called out as needing “help.” Reviewers cite issues with delays, confusing processes, and general administrative struggles when trying to secure FAFSA or VA benefits.
- Parking Services and Citations: Parking is a source of frustration, with a recent review highlighting a “Very disappointing experience with Parking Services,” particularly the lack of compassion or willingness to waive fees for students facing financial hardship.
- Safety/Homelessness Concerns: One review mentions the presence of homeless people around the campus and suggests that police efforts are misdirected, focusing on questioning students using the bathroom rather than prioritizing other safety issues.
Momentum
The momentum is generally positive, with strong praise for the professors and the overall college experience appearing in reviews from recent months (3 to 5 months ago). However, the administrative issues, specifically with parking services and phone inaccessibility, continue to surface in very recent reviews, indicating that this is a persistent challenge the college is still working to address. The number of recent positive reviews for the academic experience helps to sustain the high overall score.