PrivateUrbanDesign Institute of San Diego
San Diego, California 92121
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Close-knit campus
Design Institute of San Diego is a private urban institution in San Diego, California. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 92 undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,920 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,293.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •What has been referred to as the San Dieguito complex was established in the area at least 9,000 years ago.
- •The permanent European colonization of both California and San Diego began in 1769 with the arrival of four contingents of Spaniards from New Spain and the Baja California peninsula.
- •Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded in 1769 by Saint Junípero Serra, making it the oldest of the Spanish missions in California.
- •In July of the same year, Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded by Franciscan friars under Serra.
- •The mission became a site for a Kumeyaay revolt in 1775, which forced the mission to relocate six miles (10 km) up the San Diego River.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
43.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$24,530
Programs (2)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
71%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
0
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium