8 Cheapest Universities in San Diego for International Students

In San Diego, California, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in San Diego, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 9 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in San Diego, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in San Diego, California?

Applying to cheap universities in San Diego requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in San Diego?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in San Diego. For example, one of the best affordable schools in San Diego is the National University, which offers Cybersecurity, Nursing, and Early Childhood Education to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the National University offers Social Emotional Learning, Forensic Sciences, and Applied Behavioral Analysis .

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in San Diego for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in San Diego ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Southern States University 8,538 USD 71%
San Diego State University 11,700 USD 60%
National University 16,700 USD - 17,500 USD 42%
NewSchool of Architecture and Design 23,500 USD - 29,700 USD 19%
Point Loma Nazarene University 40,400 USD -40%
University of California, San Diego 46,400 USD -61%
University of San Diego 53,900 USD -87%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 28,700 USD for universities in San Diego.

1. Southern States University

Southern States University (SSU) is a private American University established over 30 years ago. Our Degree and Certificate Programs have been designed to train you to succeed in the world of business and information technology, and to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders. For many years, Southern States University has attracted international students to come and study at our campuses in California and Nevada. We are proud of having international students (F1/M1) from all over the world. OPT is available in all programs. CPT is available in all degree programs. SSU has campuses in some of the most beautiful locations in the United States: Irvine and San Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

2. San Diego State University

San Diego State University is an excellent research university. It has already produced thousands of intelligent graduates who have contributed significantly to the community. The university lived up to its cause of embracing a diverse set of students and highly promotes inclusive education.

3. National University

National University is a private institution intended for adult students. It is also the National University System’s flagship. The system comprises NU, City University of Seattle, and Northcentral University. Although privately-owned, NU is non-profit, along with the other system members. Programs offered at NU include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and credential.

4. NewSchool of Architecture and Design

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design strives for providing innovative education that will solve the architectural issues of the future. It offers 10 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a special program for those students that would like to get their license as architects. It focuses on preparing students for the job market, so students must complete an internship and complete different projects with the assistance of the university’s faculty and the design clinic.

5. Point Loma Nazarene University

As a Christian institution associated with the Church of the Nazarene, Point Loma Nazarene University rears students academically and spiritually. It is also centered around the liberal arts; thus, most of its programs are related to the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. PLNU is ranked 327th in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

6. University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is among the campuses of the prestigious University of California system. It is known to be one of the best institutions for research worldwide. Aside from being famous for its outstanding medical and engineering programs, UCSD is also widely recognized for its vibrant arts and sports events.

7. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is an institution dedicated to training ethical and wise leaders in the professional field. It offers a variety of programs from undergraduate to graduate, which is why a lot of students compete to be admitted to the university. Decades after its establishment, the university still continues to carry the roman catholic principles in guiding and honing the students’ skills.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in San Diego for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in San Diego ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Point Loma Nazarene University 3,840 USD - 10,700 USD 76%
Southern States University 6,274 USD - 8,501 USD 61%
National University 7,956 USD - 8,100 USD 51%
San Diego State University 13,200 USD 18%
University of San Diego 18,000 USD - 24,600 USD -12%
Thomas Jefferson School of Law 20,100 USD -25%
NewSchool of Architecture and Design 25,500 USD - 31,700 USD -59%
University of California, San Diego 33,100 USD -106%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 16,000 USD for universities in san diego.

1. Point Loma Nazarene University

As a Christian institution associated with the Church of the Nazarene, Point Loma Nazarene University rears students academically and spiritually. It is also centered around the liberal arts; thus, most of its programs are related to the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. PLNU is ranked 327th in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Point Loma Nazarene University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 3,840 USD to 10,680 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Southern States University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Southern States University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Southern States University is 6,274 USD to 8,501 USD.

Southern States University (SSU) is a private American University established over 30 years ago. Our Degree and Certificate Programs have been designed to train you to succeed in the world of business and information technology, and to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders. For many years, Southern States University has attracted international students to come and study at our campuses in California and Nevada. We are proud of having international students (F1/M1) from all over the world. OPT is available in all programs. CPT is available in all degree programs. SSU has campuses in some of the most beautiful locations in the United States: Irvine and San Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

3. National University

National University is a private institution intended for adult students. It is also the National University System’s flagship. The system comprises NU, City University of Seattle, and Northcentral University. Although privately-owned, NU is non-profit, along with the other system members. Programs offered at NU include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and credential.

The tuition fee at National University for incoming international master’s students is 7,956 USD to 8,100 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. San Diego State University

Another affordable university to consider in San Diego is San Diego State University.

San Diego State University is an excellent research university. It has already produced thousands of intelligent graduates who have contributed significantly to the community. The university lived up to its cause of embracing a diverse set of students and highly promotes inclusive education.

The tuition fee in San Diego State University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 13,116 USD.

5. University of San Diego

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of San Diego has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 18,000 USD yearly.

The University of San Diego is an institution dedicated to training ethical and wise leaders in the professional field. It offers a variety of programs from undergraduate to graduate, which is why a lot of students compete to be admitted to the university. Decades after its establishment, the university still continues to carry the roman catholic principles in guiding and honing the students’ skills.

6. Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a law school in San Diego, California founded in 1969 and named after Thomas Jefferson. It is a private higher education institution that serves both J.D. and LL.M. programs with a mission to create outstanding legal professionals. The student community is filled with students of diverse races, ethnicity, and gender which creates an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

7. NewSchool of Architecture and Design

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design strives for providing innovative education that will solve the architectural issues of the future. It offers 10 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as a special program for those students that would like to get their license as architects. It focuses on preparing students for the job market, so students must complete an internship and complete different projects with the assistance of the university’s faculty and the design clinic.

8. University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is among the campuses of the prestigious University of California system. It is known to be one of the best institutions for research worldwide. Aside from being famous for its outstanding medical and engineering programs, UCSD is also widely recognized for its vibrant arts and sports events.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in San Diego for international students was helpful!