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Universities in San Diego: Top 5 Colleges in San Diego for International Students

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Tumul Buch
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San Diego is a significant city known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate. Many international students choose it as a study abroad destination for pursuing higher education. With boundless potential, the universities in San Diego offer a quality of education, notable cultures/landmarks, job opportunities, a bright future for students, state-of-the-art facilities, etc.

If you want to study at one of the colleges in San Diego, but are hesitant about the city's benefits, read this article. It covers the best San Diego colleges and universities with information about their ranking, fee structure, admission details, importance, etc. So by the end of it you will understand why one should join them for graduate or post-graduate education.

Let’s get started!

Table of content

Benefits of Studying in San Diego

Every city has some pros and cons to offer its residents, and it is usually considered a wise decision to look out for these offerings and analyse whether you should choose it for your higher education. Following are the advantages of studying in San Diego for international students:

  • Best hangout places: San Diego boasts 31 beaches, several of which include golden sand and are ideal for water sports, such as surfing and paddleboarding. There are also numerous parks across the city, providing international students with excellent opportunities to enjoy the greenery and take a break from the city's hectic pace.
  • Part-time jobs: This city's labour market is quite active in tackling the high cost of studying at the best universities in San Diego. How? It offers part-time tech jobs to international students at businesses like Samsung, PlayStation, Intuit, Qualcomm, and others.
  • Healthy social environment: For students who desire to live and study in the top colleges in San Diego, the city provides a unique mix of benefits like flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, etc. Additionally, it is known as "America's Finest City" because of its academic potential, unique attractions, gastronomy, shopping facilities, and natural beauty.
  • Cultural diversity: While studying at top universities in San Diego, you will find that the city holds the 5 most diverse ethnic groups, filling the streets with a diverse range of cultures, values, traits, and cuisines. It's the ideal combination of ethnic pride and acceptance, making every international student feel at ease.

Suggested: A Guide to Study in California!

Now that you know the benefits of universities in San Diego let’s check the list of colleges and universities in San Diego with an accredited reputation.

Top 5 Universities in San Diego

Following is the renowned San Diego universities list. It includes the benefits, ranking, fee structure, acceptance rate, and major subjects of the top universities in San Diego. Let’s explore it without any delay!

1. The University of California, San Diego

University of California

The University of California, San Diego is one of the top universities for international students. It provides undergraduate education to more than 30,939 students. With its impressive quality of education, the graduates earn a starting income of $43,400 with a graduation success rate of 87 per cent. Let’s check its key factors:

Acceptance Rate

37%

Tuition Fee

$15,222 / year

Major subjects

Biology, Cognitive Science, International Studies, etc.

Median Earning 6 years after graduation

$59,900 / year

Admission Requirements

 

SAT Range

1270-1480

ACT Range

28-34

Application Fee

$70

SAT/ACT

Considered but not required

High School GPA

Required

Early Decision/Early Action

No

University of California, San Diego World Ranking 2024

62

2. The University of San Diego

University of San Diego

Among the top colleges in San Diego, the University of San Diego has one of the most beautiful campuses. It is committed to academic excellence and is recognised among the top 100 colleges and universities in the United States. Following are its key features:

Acceptance Rate

59%

Tuition Fee

$37,547 / year

Major subjects

Finance, Business, Communications, etc.

Median Earning 6 years after graduation

$60,000 / year

Admission Requirements

 

SAT Range

1190-1370

ACT Range

26-31

Application Fee

$55

SAT/ACT

Neither required nor recommended

High School GPA

Required

Early Decision/Early Action

Yes

University of San Diego World Ranking 2024

1201-1400

3. Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University

The Christian liberal arts college, Point Loma Nazarene University, is among the top-notch and distinguished San Diego colleges and universities. Besides, its main campus is on the beach in San Diego. Let’s check its other features for international education.

Acceptance Rate

84%

Tuition Fee

$34,644 / year

Major subjects

Nursing, Business, Child development, etc.

Median Earning 6 years after graduation

$50,900 / year

Admission Requirements

 

SAT Range

1100-1290

ACT Range

23-28

Application Fee

$55

SAT/ACT

Considered but not required

High School GPA

Required

Early Decision/Early Action

Yes

QS Ranking 2024

N/A

4. San Diego State University

San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a well-regarded public university that commenced in 1897. It is a huge university, with 28,084 undergraduate students enrolled. However, the admission process is competitive in San Diego colleges, with a starting income of $37,700 and a graduation success rate of 76 per cent. Let’s explore this university’s other features.

Acceptance Rate

37%

Tuition Fee

$13,192 / year

Major subjects

Psychology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, etc.

Median Earning 6 years after graduation

$51,000 / year

Admission Requirements

 

SAT Range

1090-1300

ACT Range

22-29

Application Fee

$70

SAT/ACT

Considered but not required

High School GPA

Required

Early Decision/Early Action

No

San Diego State University World Ranking 2024

1001-1200

5. California State University

California State University

California State University is a well-regarded public institution in San Marcos, California, founded in the year 1897. It is among the best San Diego colleges and universities, with 12,381 undergraduate students enrolled. Business, nursing, and psychology are a few popular majors at this institute. Cal State San Marcos graduates receive a starting income of $37,800 and experience a 57 per cent graduation success rate. Let’s explore its other features.

Acceptance Rate

79%

Tuition Fee

$12,933 / year

Major subjects

Psychology, Business, Nursing, etc.

Median Earning 6 years after graduation

$47,300 / year

Admission Requirements

 

SAT Range

950-1130

ACT Range

17-22

Application Fee

$70

SAT/ACT

Considered but not required

High School GPA

Required

Early Decision/Early Action

No

California State University, Long Beach World Ranking 2024

1201-1400

Suggested: USA Universities with High Acceptance Rate

It is an international student’s dream to get into an aspiring university to mark the onset of the path for their future. But with so many universities in San Diego, it can become confusing to pick the best one. Besides, after selecting a university, there are many steps involved, like choosing a course, filling out the application form, visa forms, etc.

If you get stuck somewhere and need end-to-end guidance, choose Yocket Premium. Our well-trained counsellors will surely help at each step, making your study abroad dream a success.

Frequently Asked Questions on Colleges in San Diego

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