2024 Best Colleges in the San Diego Area

Best colleges

Students

Social scene

Campus

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1-18 of 18 results

Alum: UC San Diego provides a wonderful environment to foster growth and fun in your undergrad experience. Students and faculty are friendly, caring, and eager to help make your time there as positive as can be. While the party scene isn't exactly what the school is known for, San Diego is a very fun, hip, and young area that you can and should explore to get out those college partying urges! The academics are outstanding and offer great success post-graduation. The campus is gorgeous and offers fun events throughout the week.... Read 3,995 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
University of California - San Diego
4 Year,
LA JOLLA, CA,
3995 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says UC San Diego provides a wonderful environment to foster growth and fun in your undergrad experience. Students and faculty are friendly, caring, and eager to help make your time there as positive as....
Read 3995 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 24%,
Net Price: $16,111,
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Freshman: Attending National University fully online has been a unique experience for me. While I miss the in-person interactions and campus atmosphere, I appreciate the flexibility and convenience that their classes offer me. It has challenged me to be more disciplined and independent in managing my time and workload. Overall, my online National University experience has been a positive one.... Read 1,177 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
National University
4 Year,
LA JOLLA, CA,
1177 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Attending National University fully online has been a unique experience for me. While I miss the in-person interactions and campus atmosphere, I appreciate the flexibility and convenience that their....
Read 1177 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Acceptance Rate: 55%,
Net Price: $30,527,
SAT Range: 750-1170,
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Freshman: USD is a really great school, but applicants should keep in mind that it is a private Catholic institution. From my experience, there are not a lot of queer students, or at least they're hard to find. As a queer student, it is hard finding that community sometimes. However, I haven't had any bad professor experiences and the campus is beautiful. It is very difficult to get places though as you can't really walk anywhere and rideshare services are expensive. There is also no food on campus that is not University food, so be prepared to be sick of the ~five restaurants you can choose from. Some housing is awesome, some isn't. Do your research before applying to live in specific areas! Overall though, it has been a very welcoming environment and I've never felt unsafe on campus. I've walked around very early in the morning and the only thing I feared was the raccoons (just kidding, I love them. There's lots of them here!).... Read 1,963 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
University of San Diego
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
1963 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says USD is a really great school, but applicants should keep in mind that it is a private Catholic institution. From my experience, there are not a lot of queer students, or at least they're hard to....
Read 1963 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Acceptance Rate: 53%,
Net Price: $36,008,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
SponsoredCollege
South University - Richmond
4 Year·
GLEN ALLEN, VA
·
Rating 3.79 out of 5 157
SponsoredCollege
Virginia Commonwealth University
4 Year·
RICHMOND, VA
·
Rating 3.76 out of 5 4,767
SponsoredCollege
Mary Baldwin University
4 Year·
STAUNTON, VA
·
Rating 3.43 out of 5 636
Alum: I had the unique experience of transferring to San Diego State University during the pandemic. My junior year was fully online so I didn't get to experience campus life or get a feel for the community the school has built, as it's very hard to make connections with a lot of people through a screen. The professors were all very understanding and accommodating. In my time here I learned a lot of valuable information from professors who are well spoken and knowledgable. It never felt like the coursework I was given was just busywork, but applicable to what my career goal was. My senior year I did partially online and on campus, but at this point I just wanted to be finished. I wish I had given campus life a bigger chance that way I could've made connections with other people, but unfortunately I didn't get to experience that side of SDSU. However, I can attest that their academics were and still are very valuable to me!... Read 5,429 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
San Diego State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
5429 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I had the unique experience of transferring to San Diego State University during the pandemic. My junior year was fully online so I didn't get to experience campus life or get a feel for the....
Read 5429 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 39%,
Net Price: $13,017,
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Sophomore: I love Point Loma Nazarene University! This school is the perfect size for people like me who want to feel settled and known and loved in their community. I love that I am able to be familiar with almost everyone who attents my school, and certainly with everyone in my year. Point Loma is beautiful, I adore the faith-based aspects of it, like chapel and spiritual renewal week:) I love this school and could not speak higher of it.... Read 1,053 reviews
#5 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
1053 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I love Point Loma Nazarene University! This school is the perfect size for people like me who want to feel settled and known and loved in their community. I love that I am able to be familiar with....
Read 1053 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 82%,
Net Price: $34,933,
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Sophomore: I am satisfied with my experience here, this college is a great place to study as a STEM major and getting to know plenty of brilliant students. CSUSM is a strong supportive school making you feel proficiently welcome with outstanding professors always willing to help students. One thing I found particularly interesting is the campus; has great food inside and outside campus, great study places, 11 credential programs and fun extracurricular activities. I was very careful selecting where to study for my major and I chose California State University. I not only like the people around here but also, the vibe on how peaceful it is to be here. CSUSM is an independent school surrounded with a great community and plenty of programs to attend. Overall, I think this is a great school for students who care a lot about their education, willing to continue onto a better future.... Read 1,893 reviews
#6 Best Colleges in San Diego Area.
California State University - San Marcos
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN MARCOS, CA,
1893 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I am satisfied with my experience here, this college is a great place to study as a STEM major and getting to know plenty of brilliant students. CSUSM is a strong supportive school making you feel....
Read 1893 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 95%,
Net Price: $10,463,
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NewSchool of Architecture & Design
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
53 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Love this school! Super kind people and looking to always help. Lots of resources to get you the help you need..
Read 53 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Acceptance Rate: 45%,
Net Price: $50,126,
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Junior: My time at John Paul the Great Catholic University as been amazing! I've feel that I have been challenged to grow as an intellectual and an individual. I really enjoy the Student Life culture, there's a lot opportunities to socialize and network, academics are a priority for most people, and faculty and staff are willing to assist students and actually care. There isn't really a party culture; some people do drink or smoke, but it's minimal and avoidable. The Student Life Team seems to be invested in meeting with students, investing in their spiritual and temporal life, and helping students mature. I would like to see the utilities get fixed, more funding for Student Life events, and the chapel completed. These issues could solved some funding.... Read 87 reviews
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
ESCONDIDO, CA,
87 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says My time at John Paul the Great Catholic University as been amazing! I've feel that I have been challenged to grow as an intellectual and an individual. I really enjoy the Student Life culture,....
Read 87 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 80%,
Net Price: $31,354,
SAT Range: 1060-1200,
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San Diego Christian College
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SANTEE, CA,
301 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says The staff, faculty and people are amazing! Professors are very supportive and of great guidance. The good thing about it being a small college is the availability of the staff and faculty too..
Read 301 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Acceptance Rate: 53%,
Net Price: $33,393,
SAT Range: 900-1120,
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California Institute of Applied Technology
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says So far I am having and amazing experience with my school. The admissions process is seamlessly easy and the staff are very helpful. The information is very informative and challenges you to perform....
Read 5 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $32,982,
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California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City
4 Year,
NATIONAL CITY, CA,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Admissions has been amazing, really friendly and personable staff. Really great experience so far and would recommend their certifications program..
Read 2 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $22,333,
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California Miramar University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
Acceptance Rate: 24%,
Net Price: $10,207,
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Southern States University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $2,640,
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Graduate Student: United States University stands as a beacon of excellence in nursing education. Renowned for its commitment to fostering skilled and compassionate nurses, it boasts a distinguished faculty comprising experienced practitioners and scholars. The university's cutting-edge facilities replicate real-world medical settings, ensuring hands-on learning. Robust clinical training partnerships with leading healthcare institutions empower students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. A comprehensive curriculum covers the latest advancements in medical science, ethics, and patient-centered care. With a legacy of producing proficient and caring nursing professionals, United States University stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to producing high-quality nurses who excel in the evolving healthcare landscape.... Read 22 reviews
United States University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
22 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says United States University stands as a beacon of excellence in nursing education. Renowned for its commitment to fostering skilled and compassionate nurses, it boasts a distinguished faculty comprising....
Read 22 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
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Alum: Interior design has been something I was always interested in, when found Design Institute I couldn't believe that there was a college solely focused on interior design. When I started classes I was shocked at all the connections I made just in my first semester and all the opportunities that found ME. I was working in an interior design firm after my first few classes. The instructors are all incredibly talented designers and really care about their students. I was so nervous to start something new but it is the best decision I have ever made. I just graduated and have already worked with so many high end designers and was offered a few full-time positions. I landed my absolute dream job in downtown San Diego and owe it all to DI. If you are thinking about it just DO IT.... Read 31 reviews
Design Institute of San Diego
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
31 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Interior design has been something I was always interested in, when found Design Institute I couldn't believe that there was a college solely focused on interior design. When I started classes I was....
Read 31 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $36,963,
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Alum: I just graduated from Pacific College. I did not know what to expect, but the whole experience was amazing! Every course seemed to feed off of and support the others. The professors and students brought a wealth of knowledge that helped me as a practitioner on so many levels. I wanted the degree to round out my passion but honestly my outlook as a healer has evolved and my practice has grown as a result.... Read 19 reviews
Pacific College of Health and Science - San Diego
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I just graduated from Pacific College. I did not know what to expect, but the whole experience was amazing! Every course seemed to feed off of and support the others. The professors and students....
Read 19 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
Net Price: $26,446,
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Southern California Seminary
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
EL CAJON, CA,
12 Niche users give it an average review of 3.2 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Professors care about the students. The curriculum prepares the students for future success and engages the heart. The campus is extremely secure and the school is affordable. I highly recommend....
Read 12 reviews.
Acceptance Rate: 100%,
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Alliant International University - San Diego
4 Year,
SAN DIEGO, CA,
253 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says I am a graduate student with Alliant University but it is all online. Therefore, I cannot provide a credible feedback about other aspects of this university such as campus life, etc,. However, the....
Read 253 reviews.
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SponsoredCollege
Roanoke College
4 Year·
SALEM, VA
·
Rating 3.67 out of 5 771
SponsoredCollege
ECPI University - Manassas, VA
2 Year·
MANASSAS, VA
·
Rating 4.33 out of 5 6
SponsoredCollege
Regent University
4 Year·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
·
Rating 3.99 out of 5 1,046

2024 Best Colleges in the San Diego Area

Best programs

Students

Social scene

Campus

Athletics

University of California - San Diego

University of California - San Diego

National University

National University

University of San Diego

University of San Diego

San Diego State University

San Diego State University

Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University

California State University - San Marcos

California State University - San Marcos

NewSchool of Architecture & Design

NewSchool of Architecture & Design

John Paul the Great Catholic University

John Paul the Great Catholic University

San Diego Christian College

San Diego Christian College

California Institute of Applied Technology

California Institute of Applied Technology

California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City

California Institute of Arts & Technology-National City

California Miramar University

California Miramar University

Southern States University

Southern States University

United States University

United States University

Design Institute of San Diego

Design Institute of San Diego

Pacific College of Health and Science - San Diego

Pacific College of Health and Science - San Diego

Southern California Seminary

Southern California Seminary

Alliant International University - San Diego

Alliant International University - San Diego