- One of the largest and most successful of California's 109 community colleges, San Diego Mesa College takes pride in its high academic standards, its excellent programs and services, and its personal approach to helping each individual student succeed.
School Highlights
San Diego Mesa College serves 19,212 students (15% 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 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 19,212 students
- In-state tuition: $1,380
- Out-state tuition: $7,170
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student-teacher ratio: 47:1
- Minority enrollment: 71%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
San Diego Mesa College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 405 teachers has declined by 37% over five years.
San Diego Mesa College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
405 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of San Diego Mesa College has declined by 32% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 47:1 has increased from 32:1 over five years.
The San Diego Mesa College diversity score of 0.72 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
19,212 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
47:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
2,855 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
16,357 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
104 students
390 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,855 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
16,357 students
5,798 students
% Asian
15%
12%
% Hispanic
40%
46%
% Black
7%
7%
% White
29%
23%
% Two or more races
8%
5%
% Unknown races
1%
6%
Diversity Score
0.72
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
31%
41%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$40,100
$32,200
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,380 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has grown by 20% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,170 is more than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,380
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,170
$6,577
Tuition Notes
$46/unit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
79%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,625
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,283
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
100%
81%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- At San Diego Mesa College, students will find a wide and diverse array of day, evening, weekend, and on-line courses leading to 176 Associate in Arts, Associate in Science degrees and certificate programs. Students may also pursue courses and programs of general interest. Because of the college's comprehensive offerings, excellent programs, uniquely talented faculty and support services, Mesa College enjoys one of the highest student transfer rates in California and the nation.Mesa students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities enjoy a great advantage because of our carefully designed and articulated course of study culminating in a Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree with a designated area of emphasis that reflects the student's ultimate career focus. In addition, Mesa continually maintains and updates guaranteed transfer agreements with colleges and universities in California and throughout the nation. Students following the vocational track have similar success when they enter or advance through the job market. Unique partnerships with local industries have created pathways for upward mobility and success in high-demand occupations. Mesa College provides extensive collegiate and co-curricular experiences for students, including such opportunities as student government; 20 men's and women's intercollegiate athletic teams; clubs; performance groups; an Honors Program; Service Learning and a host of activities in which students learn leadership skills, expand their academic horizons and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Because of the college's comprehensive offerings, its excellent programs, its uniquely talented faculty, and its support services, San Diego Mesa College enjoys one of the highest student transfer rates in California. San Diego Mesa College offers a beautiful campus environment, including a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Center, which opened in April 1998. The new Center was constructed at a cost of twenty million dollars, and its four stories occupy 107,000 square feet in the middle of the campus. The facility offers expanded library holdings, an enormous computer lab for student use, and advanced media facilities.San Diego Mesa College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Doe - Nobel Laureate - 2000 -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does San Diego Mesa College cost?
San Diego Mesa College's tuition is approximately $1,380 for In-State students and $7,170 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of San Diego Mesa College?
The acceptance rate of San Diego Mesa College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 81%.
Who are famous alumni from San Diego Mesa College?
San Diego Mesa College famous alumni include: John Doe - Nobel Laureate - 2000.
What is San Diego Mesa College's ranking?
San Diego Mesa College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
In what neighborhood is San Diego Mesa College located?
San Diego Mesa College is located in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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