Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Aerial view of San Diego Christian College
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Christian college

San Diego Christian College

Santee, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $992 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,941 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

San Diego Christian College is a Christian college in Santee, California, with a Bible and theology emphasis. Its catalog requires a survey of the Old and New Testaments and a Christian worldview course of all bachelor's students, and it offers a Biblical Studies major. The student affairs page lists weekly chapel services and dedicated pastoral staff.

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

  • Chapel services during the week: Once a week (Weekly chapel services are listed or time published.)
  • Campus pastors or chaplains serving students: Part-time (Dedicated pastoral staff are mentioned; not named.)
  • Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 1 course (Counted as one course (CST 100). CST 305 is counted under T3 only; no course is counted twice. Transfer students with an associate transfer pattern are exempt from the general education except Christian Worldview.)
  • Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: Required of all students (CST 100 is required of all bachelor's students and covers the Old and New Testaments.)
  • Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required: 1 course (CST 305 Foundations of Christian Thought is required in the Christian Worldview area of the general education (3 of 6 units). Counted once, under T3.)
  • Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy): Yes (The general education description states that core courses infuse knowledge with the Judeo-Christian heritage and biblical truth.)
  • Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes
  • A published statement of faith: Yes
  • Service hours or service-learning in the curriculum: Available (Planned service hours are described for each student; no requirement stated in the catalog.)
N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Weekly chapel services are listed or time published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Affairs | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/studentaffairs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Weekly chapel services”
      The student affairs page lists weekly chapel services as part of spiritual life.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (Dedicated pastoral staff are mentioned; not named.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Affairs | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/studentaffairs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dedicated pastoral staff”
      The student affairs page says the college has dedicated pastoral staff, without naming them.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

80 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students1 course (Counted as one course (CST 100). CST 305 is counted under T3 only; no course is counted twice. Transfer students with an associate transfer pattern are exempt from the general education except Christian Worldview.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “CST 100 Overview of the Bible (3 units)”
      CST 100 Overview of the Bible is a three-unit Bible course.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (CST 100 is required of all bachelor's students and covers the Old and New Testaments.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A general survey of the Hebrew Bible”
      CST 100 surveys the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
      “(New Testament) with special emphasis”
      CST 100 also covers the New Testament.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (CST 305 Foundations of Christian Thought is required in the Christian Worldview area of the general education (3 of 6 units). Counted once, under T3.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “CST 305 Founda�ons of Chris�an Thought (3 units)”
      CST 305 Foundations of Christian Thought is a three-unit course introducing Christian theology and worldview.
      “Bachelor Degree General Educa�on (39 units)”
      The bachelor's general education program is 39 units, including the Christian Worldview area.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The general education description states that core courses infuse knowledge with the Judeo-Christian heritage and biblical truth.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “infuses knowledge within the understanding and values of our Judeo-Chris�an heritage”
      The general education core courses are described as building an intellectual foundation rooted in the Judeo-Christian heritage and biblical truth.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical Studies (48 units)”
      A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree (48 units) is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The absolute integrity of the Holy Scripture and its plenary verbal inspiration”
      The college publishes a doctrinal statement.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 0 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 1 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Planned service hours are described for each student; no requirement stated in the catalog.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Affairs | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/studentaffairs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Regularly planned service hours for each student”
      Service hours are planned for each student as part of service life.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • The 2026-2027 catalog requires a survey of the Old and New Testaments (CST 100) of all bachelor's students.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A general survey of the Hebrew Bible”
      CST 100 surveys the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
      “(New Testament) with special emphasis”
      CST 100 also covers the New Testament.
  • A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree (48 units) is offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-SDCC-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical Studies (48 units)”
      A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree (48 units) is offered.
  • A doctrinal statement is published.
    Sources (1)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The absolute integrity of the Holy Scripture and its plenary verbal inspiration”
      The college publishes a doctrinal statement.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Student Affairs | San Diego Christian Collegesdcc.edu/studentaffairs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Weekly chapel services”
    The student affairs page lists weekly chapel services as part of spiritual life.
    “Dedicated pastoral staff”
    The student affairs page says the college has dedicated pastoral staff, without naming them.

Christian clubs and student life

1 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 1 location not published

Service 1

  • IMPACT service days
    Service days for the entire student body.
    sdcc.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
93
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 55% · Women 45%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
41%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
0%
Total students102
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$992
Cost of attendance (per year)$31,745
Median federal debt at graduation$24,941
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
20%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
32%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
34%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
45%
First-year retention86%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$49,766
Admission rate31%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Early action deadline
College website, 2026-27
November 15
Priority filing deadline
College website, 2026-27
January 15
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $2,459 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants45%

Value index: 52 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Business administration$59,489
Communication studies$56,685

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Air Transportation, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biology, Criminal justice, English, Family and human development, Interdisciplinary studies, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Music, Psychology, Teacher education, Theology.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business41%
Psychology22%
Parks, recreation and fitness9%
Family and consumer sciences6%
Biology6%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates20%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older38%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,080
Students per faculty member9 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 11%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time19%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$8,064IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 52% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceSan Diego International Airport (SAN)About 14 miles away · about 25 minutes by car
Town population59,332Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreSan DiegoAbout 9 miles away · about 20 minutes by car
Typical weather56°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from El Cajon, CA, about 4 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is San Diego Christian College a Christian college?
Yes. San Diego Christian College is a Christian college.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Sign in to ask a question

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

Reach out

Contact details for Student Affairs (Office of Student Affairs (college offices)) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 112084
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (small programs)
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Undenominational
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Colleges like this one

The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Not yet ratedWhitworth University-Adult Degree ProgramsSpokane, WASimilarly selectiveNot yet ratedEastern Nazarene CollegeQuincy, MASimilar size and costNot yet ratedAmridge UniversityMontgomery, ALSimilar size and costNot yet ratedAmberton UniversityGarland, TXSimilar size and cost

More in California · California rankings

0 school selectedCompare

What would it cost your family?

Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Reach, Target or Likely?

Enter an SAT or ACT to sort every college in this search.

Will you get in?

Enter your SAT or ACT. We compare it with the middle range of students the college admitted.