Best Community Colleges in San Diego: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 7, 2026
Compare 10+ San Diego community colleges with tuition, earnings, and transfer data.
San Diego's community colleges offer an affordable entry point to higher education, with tuition well below four-year university rates. Strong transfer agreements with state universities mean you can start at a CC and finish your bachelor's degree at a fraction of the cost.
Why Community College in San Diego?
San Diego's community colleges offer an affordable entry point to higher education, with tuition well below four-year university rates. Strong transfer agreements with state universities mean you can start at a CC and finish your bachelor's degree at a fraction of the cost.
Community Colleges in San Diego
Southwestern College (Chula Vista)
Tuition: $1,344/year | Enrollment: 16,640 | 6-year earnings: $33,970
Palomar College (San Marcos)
Tuition: $1,354/year | Enrollment: 16,167 | 6-year earnings: $37,220
San Diego Mesa College (San Diego)
Tuition: $1,150/year | Enrollment: 15,899 | 6-year earnings: $35,773
Grossmont College (El Cajon)
Tuition: $1,332/year | Enrollment: 11,467 | 6-year earnings: $31,861
San Diego Miramar College (San Diego)
Tuition: $1,150/year | Enrollment: 10,740 | 6-year earnings: $40,327
San Diego City College (San Diego)
Tuition: $1,150/year | Enrollment: 10,584 | 6-year earnings: $31,504
MiraCosta College (Oceanside)
Tuition: $1,152/year | Enrollment: 10,474 | 6-year earnings: $37,965
Cuyamaca College (El Cajon)
Tuition: $1,340/year | Enrollment: 6,788 | 6-year earnings: $29,836
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Try the Calculator →How to Choose
| Priority | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest tuition | San Diego Mesa College ($1,150/yr) |
| Best post-grad earnings | San Diego Miramar College ($40,327 at 6yrs) |
Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year) often exceed full community college tuition. Check your state's grant and scholarship programs — many states offer free or reduced CC tuition for qualifying residents.
Next Steps
Compare San Diego community colleges on GradeToGrad.