College Costs in San Diego, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 68 colleges in San Diego, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,911
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$54,140
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,110
per month
Colleges & Universities
68
institutions
San Diego Overview
Population
1,423,851
Student Population
142,542 (10.0%)
Cost of Living Index
140 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
83/100
Transit Score
61/100
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
College Cost Calculator for San Diego
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,708
Total After Financial Aid
$94,708
Annual Cost
$23,677
Annual After Aid
$23,677
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,075 |
| Total Interest | $34,339 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,047 |
Universities in San Diego
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UC San Diego | Public | $14,312 |
| San Diego State University | Public | $7,510 |
| University of San Diego | Private | $54,140 |
| San Diego City College | Community | $1,540 |
San Diego has 68 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Diego vs. National Average
| Category | San Diego | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,911 | $10,940 | -$29 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,110 | $1,050 | +$1,060 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 100 | +40 |
San Diego's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in San Diego
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
142,542 students
San Diego has a total population of 1,423,851, with approximately 142,542 college students (10.0% of the population). San Diego has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Diego
$69,024
Starting Salary
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Diego earn a median starting salary of $69,024, which is $34,024 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,600 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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