San Diego is a Southern California city on the Pacific coast near the U.S.–Mexico border. Often called “America’s Finest City,” it is a popular destination and home to several higher education institutions.
The University of California, San Diego, is one of the region’s best-known public research universities. However, students looking for lower tuition may also consider other public, private, and online options. Below, we highlight four comparatively affordable options in the greater San Diego area or available online to students living there. Because tuition varies by residency, program, and enrollment level, this is not a strict ranking of the city’s cheapest institutions.
Affordable Schools in San Diego for International Students
1. San Diego State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Fall 2026 Tuition and Fees: $4,890 per term for full-time California-resident undergraduates | approximately $12,096 per term for a newly admitted international undergraduate taking 12 units
San Diego State University is one of the 22 universities in the California State University system. Founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, it is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. The university’s current facts page reports an enrollment of nearly 44,000 students.
SDSU is a public R1 research university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. Its main campus is located in San Diego, with additional locations and online programs available through the broader university.
International and other nonresident students pay considerably more than California residents. For fall 2026, the university charges nonresident tuition of $471 per unit in addition to basic tuition and campus fees. Students admitted in the 2026–2027 academic year must also pay an out-of-state and international student fee of $1,554 per term. The estimated $12,096 above assumes 12 units and does not include optional, course-specific, housing, or living costs.
SDSU lists close to 800 scholarship opportunities, although eligibility and award amounts vary. Admission remains competitive, with the university receiving 95,444 first-year applications for the 2025–2026 academic year.
2. California State University San Marcos
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- 2026–2027 Tuition and Fees: approximately $4,424 per term for full-time California-resident undergraduates | approximately $10,076 per term for a nonresident undergraduate taking 12 units
Founded in 1989, California State University San Marcos is another member of the CSU system. It is located in San Marcos in northern San Diego County. The university occupies a 306-acre campus, and its official About page states that it serves more than 17,000 students.
CSUSM currently offers 43 bachelor’s degree programs, 23 master’s programs, 11 credential programs, and a joint doctoral program with UC San Diego. The institution is organized into four colleges.
For 2026–2027, full-time undergraduate tuition is $3,419 per term. Listed mandatory campus fees add approximately $1,005, excluding the optional $2 Student Involvement and Representation Fee. Nonresident and international students must also pay $471 per unit. The estimated nonresident total above assumes enrollment in 12 units and excludes course-specific, housing, and living expenses.
CSUSM reports that 71 percent of its students receive financial aid. However, aid eligibility varies, and many forms of federal and state assistance are unavailable to international students.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in the San Diego area was helpful. For more information, visit the Study in the USA Page and the Available Programs for International Students.
