San Diego Mesa College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,002
In-state $1,146
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
19,212
Student-faculty ratio 23:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
San Diego Mesa College (SDMC) is a prominent community college located in San Diego, California. Established in 1964, it has grown to become one of the largest community colleges in the state, serving a diverse student body of over 25,000. One of the college's defining features is its commitment to providing accessible and quality education. The college offers a wide range of programs, including over 200 degree and certificate options across various fields such as health sciences, business, engineering, and the arts. This extensive curriculum caters to students looking to transfer to four-year universities, as well as those seeking to enter the workforce directly after graduation.
The campus is known for its vibrant student life and supportive environment, fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty. SDMC emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity, which is reflected in its various student organizations and cultural events throughout the year. The college also boasts impressive facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that enhance the learning experience. In addition, the faculty is composed of highly qualified professionals dedicated to student success, providing mentorship and guidance to help students achieve their academic and career goals. San Diego Mesa College truly embodies a holistic educational approach, preparing students not only academically but also for personal growth and development.
Analysis of Key Trends at San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College has experienced significant changes in several critical metrics over the years, particularly concerning student enrollment, tuition fees, and gender ratios.
Firstly, the student enrollment figures reveal a declining trend, dropping from approximately 24,943 in 2013 to 18,076 in 2023. This represents a decrease of about 27%, indicating potential challenges in attracting and retaining students amidst a competitive higher education landscape. Such a trend may raise concerns about the institution's sustainability and its ability to offer diverse programs that meet the needs of the community.
In terms of tuition, there has been a noticeable increase in costs for out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the tuition for these students was $5,682, which has escalated to $9,094 by 2024, reflecting a 60% increase. This steep rise in tuition could deter prospective students from enrolling, especially those from out of state, further exacerbating the decline in enrollment numbers.
Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly over the years. In 2013, males comprised 48.2% of the undergraduate population, whereas females accounted for 51.8%. By 2023, the male percentage decreased to approximately 44.1%, while female representation increased to about 55.9%. This shift may indicate changing dynamics in the demographics of students pursuing higher education, with females increasingly taking the lead.
Lastly, the graduation rates, while fluctuating, indicate a concerning trend. For instance, the graduation rate within 100% of the time frame was only 7.58% in 2013, and it has not shown significant improvement in subsequent years. Such low graduation rates could be indicative of various underlying issues, including academic preparedness, financial constraints, or inadequate support services for students.
In summary, San Diego Mesa College faces various challenges, including declining enrollment, rising tuition costs, shifts in gender demographics, and low graduation rates. Addressing these issues will be vital for the institution to enhance its appeal and effectiveness in serving the educational needs of the community.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In San Diego
- Nearest international airport
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 5 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Ashanti Hands (President)
- Phone
- 6193882600
- City
- San Diego, California
- Address
- 7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111-4998
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at San Diego Mesa College
The graduation data from San Diego Mesa College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights, particularly in the health and humanities fields. Notably, the Health Information/Medical Records Technology program stands out with 19 bachelor's degree graduates, demonstrating a strong interest in health-related careers, which aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the U.S. This trend has been further amplified by the ongoing global health challenges, emphasizing the importance of health information management.
In contrast, many other programs, especially within the performing arts and humanities, show no graduates at the bachelor or master's levels. This lack of graduates could reflect shifting student interests or potentially a market saturation in these fields. For instance, the absence of graduates in disciplines such as music, sculpture, and painting suggests a decline in enrollment or a preference for more career-oriented fields.
Furthermore, the associate degree statistics indicate that while there are graduates in various programs, such as 52 in Health Information and 27 in Child Care, there are no international students graduating with these qualifications. This could highlight barriers international students face in these specific programs, such as visa restrictions or the need for culturally specific qualifications.
Overall, the data indicates a growing focus on practical and career-oriented programs, particularly in health fields, while traditional arts and humanities disciplines may need to reevaluate their appeal and accessibility to attract a broader range of students.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $47,195 | ||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | ||
| Small Business Administration/Management. | - | ||
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - | ||
| Real Estate. | - | ||
| Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | $38,269 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $28,820 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $41,015 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | - | ||
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | $38,611-$51,729 | ||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | $55,472 | ||
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $55,472 | ||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $44,585 | ||
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $44,585 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology, General. | - | ||
| Economics, General. | - | ||
| Geography. | - | ||
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | - | ||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | ||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | - | ||
| Dance, General. | - | ||
| Fashion/Apparel Design. | - | ||
| Interior Design. | - | ||
| Game and Interactive Media Design. | - | ||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | ||
| Drawing. | - | ||
| Ceramic Arts and Ceramics. | - | ||
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - | ||
| Computer Science. | - | ||
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language and Literature. | - | ||
| Japanese Language and Literature. | - | ||
| French Language and Literature. | - | ||
| Italian Language and Literature. | - | ||
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL). | - | ||
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | ||
| Journalism. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General. | - | ||
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - | ||
| Apparel and Textile Marketing Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector. | - | ||
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | ||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | $36,288 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies. | - |
Students
19,212 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 46:54
- Continuing undergraduates 10,728
- First-year undergraduates 598
- Transfers and others 7,886
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (19,212)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Demographic Insights of San Diego Mesa College Students in 2023
The student demographic data from San Diego Mesa College for 2023 reveals intriguing trends in gender distribution and ethnic diversity among its population. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 2,389, with a close gender ratio of 48.4% male and 51.6% female students. This slight female majority is indicative of a broader trend in higher education where female enrollment has been steadily increasing.
In contrast, the undergraduate continuing students total 9,996, showing a more pronounced gender imbalance with 42.5% male and 57.5% female. This discrepancy might suggest that female students are not only enrolling in higher numbers but are also more likely to persist in their studies compared to their male counterparts. The statistics for undergraduate transfer students present a similar pattern, with 2,497 students, where males comprise 45.1% and females 54.9%.
Moreover, the data highlights the ethnic composition of students, particularly among freshmen, where 653 white students represent approximately 27.3% of this group, indicating a significant presence of diverse backgrounds. This diversity is essential in fostering an inclusive educational environment, preparing students for a globalized workforce.
Overall, the findings from San Diego Mesa College underscore the importance of addressing gender disparities and celebrating ethnic diversity, aligning with national trends in education and workforce development. As colleges continue to adapt to these changes, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for fostering an equitable learning environment.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at San Diego Mesa College
The age demographic data from San Diego Mesa College reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. The largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age range, with a total of 4,306 individuals, consisting of 2,041 male undergraduates and 2,265 female undergraduates. This indicates a robust influx of young students, which is likely reflective of the college's role as a primary institution for recent high school graduates.
As students age, participation appears to decline, particularly for those in the 30-34 age range and above, where enrollment figures drop significantly to just 506 males and 743 females. This pattern could suggest that older individuals face various challenges when pursuing higher education, such as work commitments or family responsibilities. Interestingly, there is a notable presence of students aged 40 and above, which highlights the increasing trend of adult learners seeking education later in life, a phenomenon that's becoming more common in today's job market that demands continual skill development.
The absence of graduate students in this dataset may indicate a focused emphasis on undergraduate education at this institution. This could be an area for San Diego Mesa College to explore further, perhaps by enhancing graduate program offerings to attract a more diverse age range of students.
Overall, while the college maintains a strong base of young learners, there exists a unique opportunity to engage and support older demographics, thus enriching the educational environment with varied perspectives and experiences.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
64 in 2025 · 3.2% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Enrollment at San Diego Mesa College
The data from San Diego Mesa College reveals a significant decline in the number of international students over the years, particularly from the peak in 2015 when the percentage of international undergraduates reached 3.35%. This figure has dramatically decreased to just 0.32% by 2023, highlighting a troubling trend for international education at the institution.
The number of international undergraduates fluctuated from 2004 to 2019, with notable increases around 2012 and 2015, suggesting potential factors such as changes in global mobility trends or targeted recruitment efforts during those years. However, the decline post-2015 raises concerns about the college's attractiveness to international students amid increasing competition from other institutions globally.
The sharp decrease in international enrollment can also be attributed to broader factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted travel and forced many institutions to shift to remote learning. Additionally, changing immigration policies in the United States may deter potential international students from pursuing their education here.
As San Diego Mesa College navigates this decline, it may need to reassess its international recruitment strategies and support services to create a more appealing environment for prospective students. Fostering a diverse student body not only enhances the educational experience for all students but can also contribute positively to the college's community and reputation on a global scale.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$41,245
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,002
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,146
- Room and board
- $31,243
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 114% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 161%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$189M
Expenses$164M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes Other
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 103 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 51 | 26 |
| Soccer | 34 | 24 |
| Baseball | 43 | - |
| Volleyball | 22 | 19 |
| Cross Country | 16 | 14 |
| Basketball | 14 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 8 | 13 |
| Water Polo | 15 | - |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Badminton | - | 7 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 85 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 45 | 24 |
| Soccer | 32 | 21 |
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 18 | 22 |
| Volleyball | 16 | 16 |
| Water Polo | 18 | 13 |
| Basketball | 17 | 13 |
| Cross Country | 12 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 14 |
| Badminton | - | 9 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 77 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 46 | 24 |
| Soccer | 26 | 29 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 18 | 18 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 17 |
| Water Polo | 14 | 17 |
| Volleyball | 13 | 14 |
| Cross Country | 17 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 25 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 14 |
| Badminton | - | 9 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of San DiegoSan Diego · 2.6 mi
U.S. News #100
-
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego · 6.0 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla · 6.4 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Soka University of AmericaAliso Viejo · 61.3 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 70.1 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Chapman UniversityOrange · 78.9 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of California-RiversideRiverside · 81.3 mi
U.S. News #80
-
California State University-FullertonFullerton · 85.2 mi
U.S. News #156
-
California State University--Long BeachLong Beach · 86.8 mi
U.S. News #137
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near San Diego Mesa College:
-
University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, UC San Diego is a prestigious research university known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and medical programs.
-
University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is a leading private research university known for its programs in business, cinema, and the arts.
-
California Institute of Technology - Ranked 7th, Caltech is renowned globally for its engineering and physical sciences programs.
-
Pomona College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is known for its rigorous academic environment and beautiful campus.
-
Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is noted for its strong programs in economics and government.
-
Harvey Mudd College - With a rank of 16th, Harvey Mudd is particularly famous for its engineering and science programs, focusing on a liberal arts education.
These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and are recognized for their excellence in education.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at San Diego Mesa College
The crime statistics for San Diego Mesa College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating trend in campus-related incidents. From 2013 to 2023, the average crime rate per 1,000 students showed significant variation, peaking in 2017 with a rate of 1.43, before gradually declining in subsequent years. Notably, the most alarming statistic was recorded in 2017, which saw an increase in serious offenses, including incidents of gun-related arrests and drug arrests.
In 2020 and 2021, the college experienced a remarkable decrease in crime rates, with averages of 0.43 and 0.39 respectively. This decline could potentially be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many campuses shifting to remote learning, thereby reducing on-campus activities and interactions that could lead to criminal behavior. However, as the institution returned to normal operations in 2022, the crime rate began to rise again, indicating that the challenges of campus safety remain a concern.
The data also highlights the presence of various offenses, including assaults and drug-related arrests. The continued incidents of gun-related arrests and domestic violence raise critical questions about safety and security on campus. It is vital for the administration to implement comprehensive safety measures and promote awareness among students to mitigate these risks.
While crime is an unavoidable aspect of college life, understanding the trends and underlying factors is essential for creating a safe learning environment. As we progress through the academic year, it is crucial for institutions to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing campus safety concerns. For more insights on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of San Diego Mesa College include Annette Bening (Actress of screen and stage), Sam Daghles (Jordanian basketball player of Palestinian origin) and Tony Banks (Former NFL quarterback).
-
Annette Bening 1958–
Actress of screen and stage
-
Sam Daghles 1979–
Jordanian basketball player of Palestinian origin
-
Tony Banks 1973–
Former NFL quarterback
-
Nick Buss 1986–
Former MLB outfielder for Dodgers and Angels
-
Manny Neves 1960–
Portuguese-American retired soccer midfielder
-
Francesco Caruso 1982–
Soccer player
-
Raven Grimassi 1951–2019
Writer on Wicca, witchcraft and neo-paganism
-
Mike Winters 1958–
Former Major League Baseball umpire
-
Tony Muser 1947–
Former MLB player and coach
More alumni (3, by field)
Sports
-
Shlomo Lipetz 1979–
Baseball pitcher for Team Israel
-
Geoff Geary 1976–
Former MLB relief pitcher for Phillies and Astros
-
Matt Kofler 1959–2008
Former NFL quarterback for Bills and Colts
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.