The Best Business Schools in San Diego for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools in San Diego
- University of San Diego ranks #1 in the San Diego area on a 93.2 Program Score, with an 84% graduation rate.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, California State University-San Marcos, ranks #4.
- Programs analyzed
- 107
- Schools ranked
- 7
- Tuition range
- $6,084-$58,420
- Average graduation rate
- 54%
We analyzed 107 accredited business programs in San Diego and the surrounding metro and ranked 7 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 7 ranked schools runs from $6,084 to $58,420 a year, a $52,336 spread for the same credential.
University of San Diego leads with a 93.2 Program Score on an 84% graduation rate, at $58,420 a year. Across all 7 ranked business schools in San Diego the average graduation rate is 54%, ranging from 11% to 84%. 1 of the 7 is public and 6 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
The Top Business Schools in San Diego at a Glance
University of San Diego leads at 93.2, and San Diego Global Knowledge closes the chart at 69.3. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Business Schools in San Diego Are Scored
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 7 Best Business Schools in San Diego, Ranked for 2027
The 7 best Business Schools in San Diego, ranked by outcomes.
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 52%
- In-state
- $58,420
- Out-of-state
- $58,420
A business analytics major built around predictive analytics and decision modeling, with every student assigned a professional development manager.
- 84% graduation rate
- Program Score 93.2
- $58,420 tuition for all students
- Predictive analytics coursework
The University of San Diego teaches data analytics through its business analytics major at the Knauss School of Business. Students learn to collect data, use visualization software and turn results into recommendations for organizations. Listed courses include Analytical Decision Modeling, which covers linear programming and Monte Carlo simulation, Predictive Analytics and Big Data, Business Analytics Strategy and Behavioral Economics. Students can earn two degrees in four years through a concurrent program with partner universities in Spain, Italy, Portugal or France, or study abroad for a semester. Every business major is assigned a Student Professional Development Manager, and the school hosts a Women in Data Science event each year.
USD graduates 84% of its students and admits 52% of applicants. Tuition is $58,420 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the school is private. The program earns a Program Score of 93.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a quantitative business degree with hands-on modeling work and a strong advising structure, and who can plan for the private-school price.
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 77%
- Admit rate
- 84%
- In-state
- $45,300
- Out-of-state
- $45,300
Point Loma Nazarene University's Fermanian School of Business BBA offers a hybrid cohort format and an online format with six start dates a year.
- 77% graduation rate
- Program Score 84.2
- $45,300 in-state tuition
- Hybrid or 100% online, minors in three areas
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) delivers its Bachelor of Business Administration through the Fermanian School of Business in two formats. The hybrid BBA starts each fall and meets face to face two nights a week with online coursework. The online BBA is 100% asynchronous, with six start dates a year and entry points every 8 weeks. Online applicants can begin with as few as zero college credits, because PLNU offers all general education, elective and prerequisite courses in that format. Students pick one of three career-focus minors: Management, Marketing or Organizational Leadership. The school reports accreditation of the BBA by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
PLNU graduates 77% of its students and admits 84% of applicants. Tuition is $45,300 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 84.2 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults who want to finish a bachelor's degree with transfer credit and a dedicated counselor, and younger students who prefer an evening cohort. The two formats let a student choose between structure and independence within the same degree.
National University
San Diego, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,284
- Out-of-state
- $13,284
National University's online and hybrid BBA offers ten concentrations, from Accounting to Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with year-round enrollment.
- Program Score 80.8
- Open admission
- $13,284 in-state and out-of-state tuition
- Ten concentrations, online or hybrid
National University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in online and hybrid formats, with an average completion time of 60 months and applications reviewed year-round. The page states a $0 application fee and no essays or exams. Case studies carry the coursework across marketing, statistics, accounting, economics and finance. Students choose one of ten concentrations: Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Law, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or Project Management. The degree requires at least 120 semester credit hours, with 30 completed in residence at National, 51 at the upper-division level and at least 47 units of general education.
National University is an open admission school, and 43% of its students graduate. Tuition is $13,284 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 80.8 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The format suits working adults and transfer students who want a self-paced route with several concentrations and no admissions exam, and who can accept a longer timeline than a traditional four-year campus degree. Students who need a structured cohort should weigh that flexibility against the school's modest graduation rate.
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 95%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
A 21-month, cohort-based BSBA degree-completion program for students who already hold 60 transferable units.
- Program Score 77.1
- $6,084 in-state tuition
- 21-month completion
- 55% graduation rate
California State University San Marcos offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration designed for students who have already earned at least 60 college credits. The page says students can finish in 21 months in a cohort, attending in-person classes two days a week at the Temecula Valley campus or on the Southwestern College campus in Chula Vista. Applicants complete the pre-business core and CSU general education transfer requirements, and students may stay general or focus on supply chain management. Curriculum highlights include business analytics, operations management and logistics management, and a Senior Experience program has students solve real business problems. The school reports AACSB accreditation for its College of Business Administration.
Federal data shows a 55% graduation rate and a 95% admit rate. Tuition is $6,084 in-state and $18,684 out-of-state. The Program Score is 77.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The program fits transfer students and working adults who want a defined finish line and a fixed cohort schedule, and the rolling application deadlines let them start in spring or fall.
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Escondido, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $29,400
- Out-of-state
- $29,400
A Bachelor of Science in Business finished in 12 ten-week quarters, with an optional Business LaunchPad sequence for starting a real company.
- 64% graduation rate
- Program Score 74.5
- $29,400 tuition, in-state or out
- Business LaunchPad startup sequence
John Paul the Great Catholic University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business with four emphases: Creative Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Management, Marketing and Finance. Students can also build a custom route through the Create Your Future pathway, for example in real estate or nonprofit leadership. The year-round quarter system lets students graduate in 12 quarters of 10 weeks each, with hands-on projects and internships. The optional Business LaunchPad course sequence mentors students through starting a real company, and graduates can join a startup incubator. General education includes theology, philosophy and humanities, and the school describes the program as grounded in Catholic teaching. The school reports a student body under 300, and the page lists consulting, operations management, marketing management and product management among the jobs the coursework targets.
The graduation rate is 64% and the admit rate is 80%. Tuition is $29,400, the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 74.5 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small campus, faith-integrated coursework and a path to launching a venture before graduation.
Ashford University
San Diego, CA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 11%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $11,040
- Out-of-state
- $11,040
An online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration delivered in accelerated 5-week courses, taken one at a time.
- 11% graduation rate
- Program Score 74.1
- $11,040 in-state tuition
- Accelerated 5-week online courses
The page describes an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the College of Professional Advancement at the University of Arizona Global Campus (Ashford University), the school formerly known as Ashford University. Coursework spans finance, human resource management, information systems, international management, logistics management, marketing, operations management, project management and public administration. Courses run in accelerated 5-week terms, one course at a time, and approved college credits can transfer toward the bachelor's program. The page lists a $0 application fee. Stated outcomes include analyzing financial information for managerial decisions, diagnosing organizational problems and applying strategic management principles to improve financial, operational and team performance.
Federal data show a graduation rate of 11%, and the school has open admission, so applicants are not screened on selectivity. Tuition is $11,040 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, which is typical of an online program priced at one rate. The program's Program Score is 74.1 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The low graduation rate is worth weighing. The one-course-at-a-time format and transfer credit policy suit working adults who can bring prior credits and want to study around a job more than students seeking a traditional campus experience.
San Diego Global Knowledge UniversityOnline Program
San Diego, CA · For-profit
- Grad rate
- 45%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $10,320
- Out-of-state
- $10,320
A Bachelor of Science in Global Management offered 100% online or hybrid, with industry simulations and a Spanish-language version.
- 45% graduation rate
- Program Score 69.3
- $10,320 in-state tuition
- Online or hybrid, Spanish option
San Diego Global Knowledge University offers a Bachelor of Science in Global Management, which the school lists at four years and two months. The degree centers on global business, management, leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with attention to cross-cultural awareness and managing globally distributed teams. The school says it connects theory to practice through industry simulations. Program outcomes include analyzing comparative advantage, applying international managerial leadership competence, comparing dimensions of global competitiveness, and preparing a strategic business plan with a global perspective. Students can choose a 100% online or a hybrid format, and a Spanish-language version follows the same curriculum. Graduation requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The school lists careers in multinational corporations, nongovernmental organizations, start-ups, social enterprises, and public service.
Federal data show a 45% graduation rate at San Diego Global Knowledge, and the school is open admission, requiring a recognized high school transcript. In-state and out-of-state tuition are both $10,320. The Program Score is 69.3 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits adult learners balancing work or family who want a flexible schedule and an internationally oriented business degree, including Spanish speakers who prefer to study in their first language.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools in San Diego
The median school on this list graduates 55% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of San Diego (84%) and Point Loma Nazarene University (77%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 University of San Diego84% graduation rate
- #2 Point Loma Nazarene University77% graduation rate
- #5 John Paul the Great Catholic University64% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools in San Diego?
On this list, 3 of 7 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 82%.
- #1 University of San Diego52% admitted
- #5 John Paul the Great Catholic University80% admitted
- #2 Point Loma Nazarene University84% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Online Options Among the Business Schools in San Diego
Of the 7 schools ranked here, 2 offer distance education. The highest ranked is National University, at #3.
- #3 National UniversitySan Diego, CA
- #6 Ashford UniversitySan Diego, CA
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools in San Diego
Enrollment on this list runs from 193 at San Diego Global Knowledge University to 28,004 at Ashford University. Of the 7, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 3 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools in San Diego Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Point Loma Nazarene UniversityPoint Loma Nazarene | $74,495 | $40,555 |
| #3 | National UniversityNational | $78,266 | $24,008 |
| #4 | California State University-San MarcosCalifornia State-San Marcos | $70,900 | $10,939 |
| #6 | Ashford UniversityAshford | $71,782 | $28,679 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $70,900 at California State-San Marcos to $78,266 at National.
The highest-ranked school in the table, Point Loma Nazarene (#2), reports $74,495, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at California State-San Marcos, $10,939 a year, and most at Point Loma Nazarene, $40,555.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What Business Schools in San Diego Cost
Tuition across the 7 ranked schools runs from $6,084 to $58,420 a year. California State University-San Marcos anchors the low end at $6,084 a year, while University of San Diego sits at the top at $58,420. The cheapest public option among the business schools in San Diego is California State University-San Marcos at $6,084; the cheapest private is San Diego Global Knowledge University at $10,320.
Over the four years the credential takes, that is roughly $24,336 in tuition at California State University-San Marcos against about $233,680 at University of San Diego. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to San Diego from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Which Business Major to Choose in San Diego
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in San Diego do not all offer the same ones. Across the 107 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in San Diego are business administration (12 schools), accounting (6 schools), healthcare administration (6 schools), finance (4 schools), human resources (4 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: most states now license CPAs on either 150 credit hours and one year of experience or a bachelor's and two years, so the choice between a fifth year of school and a longer apprenticeship shapes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 6 of the schools analyzed in San Diego run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in San Diego
1 of the 7 ranked business schools in San Diego is public and 6 are private, and that split drives most of the $52,336 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: California State University-San Marcos charges $6,084 in-state and $18,684 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Why Study Business in San Diego
The 7 ranked schools sit across 3 towns in the metro, among them San Diego, San Marcos, Escondido, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. 2 of the 7 also run a confirmed online option for students who cannot be on campus daily.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools in San Diego: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business school in San Diego?
By Program Score, University of San Diego ranks first among the 7 ranked business schools in San Diego, with a 93.2 score and an 84% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in San Diego?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in San Diego, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in San Diego?
Tuition among the ranked San Diego schools runs from $1,104 to $58,420 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes San Diego living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in San Diego does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 107 accredited business programs across San Diego and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 7 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers San Diego County, so some schools sit outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in San Diego instead of online?
2 of the 7 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in San Diego this is a live choice rather than a hypothetical one. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $6,084 in-state, California State University-San Marcos is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.