San Diego, California Colleges: Costs & Earnings (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

EDsmart Data analysis of 2024 College Scorecard data for San Diego, California shows: median public in-state tuition $12,442 (+125.7% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $64,909 (+19.5% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 87.8% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $15,000 (+11.7% vs U.S.) 115,966 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 30 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 115,966 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $12,442 (+125.7% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $64,909 (+19.5% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 87.8% (-0.2 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $24,300 (+143.8% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $15,000 (+11.7% vs U.S. $13,432); regional median $11,750
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 61.9%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 85.5%

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Overview

EDsmart Data summarizes higher-education outcomes for campuses in San Diego, California—costs, debt, enrollment, completion, earnings, and standout institutions—against California and U.S. medians from the College Scorecard.

San Diego vs California & national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
San Diego, California$12,442$24,300$15,00061.9%115,966
California (state median)$1,350$8,343$11,40058.5%2,158,168
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370

Earnings & employment outcomes: San Diego, California vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
San Diego, California$64,90987.8%85.5%4.2%—72.2%0.36
California (state median)$65,98690.1%84.0%3.9%—74.5%0.28
United States$54,32387.9%76.3%5.0%—73.7%0.41

Other cities in California (3+ campuses)

Other cities in the same state with at least three reporting campuses.

Peer comparison table
City In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
San Diego, California$12,442$24,300$15,00061.9%115,966$64,90987.8%
Los Angeles$19,040$21,911$17,43671.4%121,181$74,16587.7%
Sacramento$1,288$20,520$10,60050.8%94,048$64,87691.3%
Long Beach$4,453$14,158$11,81268.9%60,761$64,40391.1%
Fullerton$5,420$6,555$13,75070.2%56,299$56,32489.2%
Fresno$7,350$20,190$10,67453.5%54,532$60,07091.2%
Riverside$15,606$21,765$11,88460.8%53,903$61,82490.9%
Pasadena$31,530$25,065$13,19437.4%49,021$62,22284.6%
Pasadena$31,530$25,065$13,19437.4%49,021$62,22284.6%
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370$54,32387.9%

Outcomes by sector in San Diego, California

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private nonprofit3$67,54887.8%85.5%2.0%—84.7%

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 83.7%, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 77.2%, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 76.4%, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 42.9%, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 10.7%, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 92.1%, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 91.0%, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 87.8%, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 87.2%, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 75.0%, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 most selective colleges in San Diego, California (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 36.2%, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 52.4%, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 83.7%, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $104,948, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $100,221, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $99,714, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $97,296, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $71,369, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $149,847, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $121,408, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $120,799, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $114,919, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $81,292, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $64,995, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $64,331, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $54,811, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $52,620, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $33,397, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $77,744, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $65,775, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $61,120, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $59,692, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $32,575, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $86,522, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $67,548, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $64,909, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $63,998, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $35,404, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $226,438, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $217,664, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $174,078, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $46,758, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $41,746, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 most affordable colleges in San Diego, California (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $15,364, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $22,878, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $30,365, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $31,266, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $38,729, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

Top 10 colleges in San Diego, California by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 91.4%, University of San Diego

    University of San Diego

    Private nonprofit · 5,671 enrolled · San Diego

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 90.6%, San Diego State University

    San Diego State University

    Public · 35,377 enrolled · San Diego

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 85.5%, Point Loma Nazarene University

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 3,188 enrolled · San Diego

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 52.6%, National University

    National University

    Private nonprofit · 10,794 enrolled · San Diego

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 34.7%, Ashford University

    Ashford University

    Private for-profit · 20,152 enrolled · San Diego

In-state tuition: San Diego, California vs benchmarks

Sticker price

San Diego, California median in-state tuition is $12,442, +125.7% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: San Diego, California vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in San Diego, California is $15,000 (+11.7% vs U.S. median $13,432). Regional median: $11,750.

Median earnings (10 years out): San Diego, California vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in San Diego, California center around $64,909 (+19.5% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: San Diego, California vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 87.8% at the median San Diego, California campus (-0.2 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

San Diego, California median public in-state tuition is $12,442, about +125.7% vs the national median. Versus the Far West region, tuition is +278.9%.

Median graduate debt is $15,000 (+11.7% above the U.S. median of $13,432). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in San Diego, California are $64,909, about +19.5% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).

The median campus reports 87.8% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (-0.2 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 85.5% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 4.2% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 72.2% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Point Loma Nazarene University (92.1%), San Diego State University (91.0%), National University (87.8%), University of San Diego (87.2%), Ashford University (75.0%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within San Diego, California, sector medians diverge: Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $67,548 (3 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in San Diego, California is 61.9% (national institution average about 50.3%).

FAQ

How many colleges are in San Diego?

EDsmart Data analysis: this city profile covers 30 campuses in San Diego, California with College Scorecard cost or outcomes data.

How much does college cost in San Diego?

EDsmart Data analysis: median in-state tuition in San Diego is $12,442 and median net price is $24,300. For California overall, medians are $1,350 and $8,343; U.S. medians are $5,512 and $9,967.

What do graduates earn in San Diego?

EDsmart Data analysis: median 10-year earnings for campuses in San Diego is $64,909 vs $65,986 for California and $54,323 nationally.

What is student debt like for San Diego colleges?

EDsmart Data analysis: median completer debt in San Diego is $15,000 vs $11,400 for California and $13,432 nationally.

What are the best colleges in San Diego?

EDsmart Data analysis: top campuses on this page include University of San Diego (graduation) and University of San Diego (10-yr earnings). See Top 10 lists for admission, affordability, and employment metrics.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in San Diego?

EDsmart Data analysis: among 30 campuses in San Diego, California, 18 campuses with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard demographics—a common Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) eligibility proxy; examples include Alliant International University-San Diego, CET-San Diego, and National University; 3 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (2), Church of the Nazarene (1).

Sources & related