2024 Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates in the San Diego Area

• Oceanside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  938 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the stem tutoring center and the free snacks available in the cafeteria. Staff including library and especially professors are very helpful and kind. You definitely have to advocate for yourself but I’m sure you do at other community colleges and universities. There aren’t many sports but there’s a ton of clubs to choose from. There are many other programs at miracosta such as accommodations for student learning, an honors society, transfer center and more. The counselors are great and are really helpful with financial aid, picking classes, and scholarships. I have definitely learned a lot and am excited to learn more going into my second year. Highly recommend!... Read 938 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,946

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  964 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, San Diego Mesa college is a perfectly fine school and honestly, probably your best choice in terms of community colleges in San Diego. They have a lot of opportunities and various resources to help disadvantaged students acclimate properly into the school. More often then not, the professors at Mesa are really passionate and inspiring within their classes - just be sure to always check ratemyprofessor first!... Read 964 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,663

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,849 reviews

Junior: My experience at California State University San Marcos was pretty fun. I had amazing professors who actually loved to teach their subjects and were always so helpful when I needed it. The professors are usually very flexible and provide office hours to provide more help on assignments or just questions in general. Dorm life is a bit tricky, finding the right roommates can be tough and sometimes you go through processes of trial and error to find what is most comfortable and best for you. Campus food was very tasty! They had new types of food places added in the middle of campus. I loved the fact that there is a Starbucks on campus, I would always get a quick pick-me-up before my longest classes. Sometimes the lines can be long but that's expected! In general, San Marcos is a very nice area and there is so much to see and do. When you need a stress-free break from school, most students will take beach trips and relax. San Marcos is a very peaceful city.... Read 1,849 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $14,296

• SAT range 950-1130

• El Cajon, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,282 reviews

Freshman: I love Grossmont College because of it's welcoming environment and eagerness to work with students. The school is very supportive of students like me seeking to transfer to a four year institution. Counselors go above and beyond into offering guidance and opportunities to anyone interested. Both staff and professors understand their student's backgrounds, develop in depth, comprehensible lectures, and offer support to their students. I feel like the staff values my presence there. I also like how I can still get the college feel with Grossmont's small campus size and tranquil environment. It allows me to get the student experience and adapt to the college life as a freshman without the overwhelming atmosphere of a larger university. Overall, I would highly recommend Grossmont College to anyone in San Diego pursuing higher education. It's a great place to continue your educational journey and explore your potential!... Read 1,282 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,999

• SAT range —

• Chula Vista, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,256 reviews

Sophomore: The faculty is professional and understanding. Most professors will offer alternatives to cheaper or will provide free texts for the course. Coursework is quite easy to understand and resources for tutoring and learning are advertised well around campus. Campus resources are easy to find. Classes are cheap compared to other local campuses in San Diego County. FAFSA will provide more aid when attending this school in comparison to City College. Really chill student life- laid-back people. Housing and transportation are necessary to thrive in this environment! Healthy food options are limited, I recommend eating at home. Snacks are everywhere for convenience on and around campus. Safe area, in the third safest city in California.... Read 1,256 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,789

• SAT range —

• El Cajon, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  339 reviews

Junior: I’ve been at Cuyamaca for around 3 years now and it’s been great! The professors are amazing and many help a lot by providing their time to work through anything you’re struggling with in the class. The campus is great and they just did some renovations so the new buildings are really nice. The environment is very welcoming and open to help you out and give you insight to the next part of your journey, like transferring. There are many programs and clubs you can join in order to be part of the student life at Cuyamaca. I have also been to the Grossmont campus, and the professors there are amazing. Cuyamaca and Grossmont are sister schools so taking classes on both campuses is really common. I do enjoy taking classes at Cuyamaca because it’s very lively and they have so much to offer in their campus and the staff is really caring. Cuyamaca also has the Water Conservation garden that’s really nice to take a break in and explore. Overall a really nice school and recommend 100%.... Read 339 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,460

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  565 reviews

Sophomore: Throughout my many years of experience as a student at San Diego Miramar College, I have nothing terrible to say. I've had the best community college experience at this campus, as well as Miramar's sister campuses in San Diego. When I was a high school graduate, it was an easy transition into college life at this school. The professors and students are extremely helpful and encouraging! I will forever miss the professors at this college. The professors always have their students' best interest and do their best to be their for their students because they find fulfillment helping their students to succeed! The campus is well organized, very easy to navigate and find the correct building and class. The campus is great for older students and first time college students. I say this because it's easy to navigate your way as a student, not over whelming with many students and or events, and this campus has many resources to help you and your education.... Read 565 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,880

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,252 reviews

Alum: Not exactly the ideal "college experience" for incoming college freshman/sophomores, but still a great community college experience! I am really glad I spent my first two years of college at Palomar Community College instead of going straight to a university. I had a great community college experience at Palomar. Lots of good, well-funded programs, mostly pretty good professors, the campus is recently rebuilt, the price to attend is very affordable, theres a decent amount of affordable parking, pretty diverse student body, and overall has a quality comparable to a university in terms of academics. Because it's a commuter community college, the social life is obviously lacking, but that is to be expected. I really liked Palomar and more people should attend community college especially at Palomar.... Read 1,252 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,659

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  916 reviews

Sophomore: Transitioning from a 4-year institution to City Community College, I've found remarkable support from professors, exceeding my expectations. The personalized attention surpasses my prior university experience. City College not only offers academic benefits but also substantial financial savings, cutting tuition and fees by 10-15k. The BOG waiver, available to California residents, further enhances its cost-effectiveness making getting an associates degree completely free of tuition. Dedicated counselors for renowned institutions amplify the appeal, providing accessible and personalized assistance. This individualized approach contrasts with larger universities' stretched-thin counseling resources. Overall, City Community College earns a solid 10/10 in my experience, proving to be a win-win scenario.... Read 916 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,370

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a student enrolled at Paul Mitchell during Covid lockdowns. I am an online- distance learner in zoom class, taking core classes to start my education in cosmetology. As of right now, distance learning at Paul Mitchell has been incredibly fun and exciting. At the beginning of enrollment every student receives a brand new IPad which lets zoom class and the required courses to be easy to take. Although I can not wait to be inside the building and learning hands on, the online training makes complete sense right now. Everything that I am learning right now would just be time spent in the building listening to lectures and filling out paper work and home work. Online zoom classes are actually much more convenient for me right now because I do not have to drive to the campus, I can learn from the comfort of my home with less commute time. Paul Mitchell San Diego is such a beautiful campus in a beautiful location. I have found a new passion for Paul Mitchell products as well.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,819

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  94 reviews

Freshman: Concorde College offers a great variety of medical professions for all types of students- from younger to adults. I've experienced great professionalism with the staff members, from filing my application to exam handling. The staff members have been very supportive and helpful including helping in assisting with scholarships and grants.... Read 94 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $23,211

• SAT range —

• El Cajon, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Sophomore: As a cosmetology student who looked at several different schools in San Diego area, I'm very satisfied with the school I chose. The academic breakdown is incredible. I learned SO much I just the few short months that I've attended. For someone who doesn't learn easily, or has trouble focusing- the curriculum is easy to understand and retain. Each month you learn a different curriculum from Salon Classics, studying state board, cut, and color- you will be set up for success for when you move to the floor; which is the majority of your schooling. The instructors here are great, very qualified, and make learning fun. The students all enjoy each other and everyday is a new adventure. Overall, I'm very happy with the school I chose- and I'd recommended it to anyone who is ready to start their life journey of being a cosmetologist or an esthetician.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,510

• SAT range —

• Poway, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Graduate Student: Personally for my experience I feel that bellus academy was a great school, the only downside was that once COVID hit a lot of our structure was lowered. Everyone especially the instructors there friendly and helpful when needed. I feel they tired their best to attempt to provide answers to most of my questions and provided assistance very well.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,879

• SAT range —

• Chula Vista, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  83 reviews

Sophomore: PIMA has a small class environment which provides more one on one opportunities to connect with and reach out to instructors. They offer many medical programs to consider. The radiology program, though difficult, is well worth the investment as long as you stick to it.... Read 83 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,043

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Freshman: I start class October 18th. So far the admissions advisor, Financial Aid, and all other staff have been very friendly and helpful with my enrollment.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $26,858

• SAT range —

• Chula Vista, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Graduate Student: What I love from UEI Collage it’s that they improve your skills every day of school, Every day it’s different content that makes you be more ready, concentrated to learn something new. Doing the hands on it’s pretty fun and it’s easier to learn that way, Every question you have you can ask with no problem and teacher are always ready to help you in everything.... Read 9 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $27,467

• SAT range —

• Oceanside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Graduate Student: I absolutely love how inclusive and kind the staff can be. The entire time I was there I felt really supported and taken care of. From the students to the staff I felt like everyone was very welcoming.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,579

• SAT range —

• 2 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Sophomore: Staff that assists enrollment, loan plans, and finding scholarships and Pell grants are phenomenal. I had a few options and chose CIAT because of its staff and affordability. My professors so far have been active, understanding, kind, and patient. I've not met with one that graded too harshly or didn't teach well. 10/10 place for a disabled single teen mom to attend online.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $38,243

• SAT range —

• Escondido, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Healing Hands is one of the best schools I've ever been to. It's also the best decision I've taken for my career development. The staff is very friendly, the professors are so wise, and the students are very respectful. Everyone is really open minded about different possibilities when it comes to bodywork and holistic health.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $42,421

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,764

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love everything I am learning. Learning about things you already are interested in are so fun. The teachers are very nice and helpful, they care about your education. They care about really helping prepare you for the state board testing properly so you can receive your license. The only thing I would improve would be the size, it would be a little nicer if the school was bigger and not so cramped but the quality of the education I am receiving makes up for it.... Read 7 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,957

• SAT range —

• National City, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: Advisors and everyone has been very helpful and has been able to assist me through my journey through school. School is online and you are able to test online or take the test within the campus whatever works for the student. Classes are Monday and Tuesday’s in the evening and can be viewed after if need be!... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,921

• SAT range —

• Carlsbad, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Other: This is an amazing school. I did my work online and traveled to the school for the Lab Classes I needed and I ended up meeting people who all share the same passion I have for the gem & jewelry trade. And they came from different areas in the field, so I found it very interesting to mingle. The faculty made the Lab classes fun and were easy to keep up with. The staff is super nice and helpful. I love this school. I would not change anything. -Sadey E.... Read 13 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $30,460

• SAT range —

• La Mesa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $19,120

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $19,619

• SAT range —