San Diego Christian College, located in Santee, California, offers a faith-integrated liberal arts education with small class sizes and significant financial aid opportunities. It provides certificate, bachelor's, and master's programs accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is a private evangelical liberal arts college founded in 1970 in Santee, California, just 20 minutes from San Diego Harbour. The college enrolls roughly 500 students in certificate, bachelor's, and master's programmes that integrate a biblical worldview with rigorous academics. SDCC is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Nearly all students receive financial aid, making SDCC accessible despite its private-college price point.
SDCC's compact campus in Santee fosters a tight-knit Christian community. Students participate in chapel services, ministry projects, athletics (NAIA), intramural sports, and a variety of student clubs. The college's proximity to San Diego means students can enjoy world-class beaches, hiking trails, and a vibrant city lifestyle outside of class. On-campus housing is available for traditional undergraduates, and the college organises regular community events and service opportunities throughout the year.
97% of students receive some form of financial aid. Payment plans are available (3% monthly fee on outstanding balance; $50 late fee). All students must carry medical insurance. FAFSA is required for federal aid consideration.
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC). Teaching credentials certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
San Diego Christian College offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Management designed to prepare students for the challenges of leadership in a complex business world, integrating a Christ-centered approach. The program aims to cultivate essential knowledge and skills for effective management and innovation, enabling graduates to make a significant impact in their organizations or to start their own businesses. It's structured to be accessible for working adults through online coursework or evening campus classes.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Ministries program at San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is designed for students who feel called to full-time ministry. This online degree provides a strong foundation in theological insights, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for a rewarding vocation. The curriculum focuses on essential ministry-related topics such as leadership, theology, worship, and biblical counseling, aiming to foster pastoral leadership within a comprehensive biblical studies and general education framework. Graduates will be prepared to articulate a Christian worldview, address ethical dilemmas, and develop personal and spiritual growth plans.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication program at San Diego Christian College (SDCC) equips students with essential writing and speaking skills applicable across various fields, including business, academia, and ministry. This program integrates major and general education coursework with a spiritual foundation, helping students understand the nature of human communication and its role in fostering well-being, building connections, promoting civic engagement, and enabling participation in a global community. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to inform, educate, entertain, and persuade effectively, with a focus on applying communication theories within a biblical framework.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Development program at San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is designed for students who are passionate about serving others. This comprehensive degree integrates biblical truths and principles with academic study in psychology, counseling, lifespan development, and leadership. The program aims to foster spiritual growth alongside academic progression, equipping students with the skills to guide individuals through life transitions, loss, and crises. Graduates will become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and compassionate advocates grounded in ethical principles.
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science program at San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is designed to prepare students for advanced studies and careers in various health and movement-related fields. The program offers a rigorous curriculum with specialized tracks in Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Chiropractic studies, and K-12 Physical Education and Teaching/Coaching. SDCC is recognized as one of the few institutions in the Western United States with dedicated pre-professional pathways for physical and occupational therapy. The curriculum combines hands-on experience with in-depth academic and professional study, guided by experienced faculty within a Christian educational environment that fosters spiritual, personal, physical, and academic development.
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
Undergraduate tuition is $27,528 per year, with mandatory fees of approximately $1,920. The total estimated cost of attendance, including room, board, and personal expenses, ranges from $43,000 to $46,000 annually.
Yes, nearly all students at San Diego Christian College receive some form of financial aid, with 97% of students receiving assistance. Various scholarships are available based on GPA, such as the Honor's Scholarship ($11,000/year for GPA 3.8+) and President's Scholarship ($10,000/year for GPA 3.6–3.79).
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through scores such as TOEFL (61 iBT), IELTS (5.5), or Duolingo (85).
Applicants require a High School Diploma and are recommended to have a minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA. A personal statement reflecting Christian faith and goals, along with a pastoral reference, are also required.
San Diego Christian College is located in Santee, California, just 20 minutes from San Diego Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. This Southern California setting provides access to beaches, mountains, and a vibrant city environment.