San Diego Mesa College

San Diego Mesa College is a large public specialized institution located in San Diego, California, with an undergraduate enrollment of 16,098. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple academic disciplines, serving a student body drawn primarily from the local and regional population. As a public institution primarily funded through state appropriations and federal grants, it operates within the broader California postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. The institution maintains an open-admissions policy for most of its programs, making it accessible to a broad range of prospective students. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $8,883 per year. Families earning under $30,000 average $3,842/year — substantially lower. The 4-year graduation rate is 34%, 11 percentage points below the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $45,120. Median debt at graduation for federal aid recipients is $4,725. The student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1.