San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
San Diego Mesa College at a Glance
San Diego Mesa College is a public community college in San Diego, California. It is part of San Diego Community College District and the California Community Colleges system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
1964
62 years old
29,045
756
104 acres
Identity
Is San Diego Mesa College Worth It?
San Diego Mesa College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $5,814/year, it's priced 71% below average, while graduates go on to earn $45,120 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Median student debt of $4,725 is manageable at just 10% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
How San Diego Mesa College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #33 of 173 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #2 | Santa Ana College | 100 | $3,133 | $43,552 |
| #3 | Santa Monica College | 100 | $2,779 | $42,193 |
| #4 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #5 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #6 | St Petersburg College | 100 | $1,471 | $42,557 |
| #33 | San Diego Mesa College | 66 | $5,814 | $45,120 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of San Diego Mesa College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 14 in CA.
Best Programs at San Diego Mesa College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for San Diego Mesa College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $5,814/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Student Body
- 16,098 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,814
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,120
- Median Student Debt
- $4,725