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Design Institute of San Diego vs California Aeronautical University

Design Institute of San Diego is a private for-profit institute in San Diego, CA, and California Aeronautical University is a private for-profit university in Bakersfield, CA. Both admit about 100% of applicants. California Aeronautical University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,126 a year against $44,010 at Design Institute of San Diego. Ten years after enrolling, Design Institute of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $46,920, against $38,361 for California Aeronautical University.

Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
San Diego, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
77
347
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$44,010
$36,126
Full cost / yr
$55,911
$46,233
In-state tuition
$29,300
$37,667
Out-of-state tuition
$29,300
$37,667
Application fee
$25
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
Not reported
$35,535
$30k - $48k
Not reported
$28,863
$48k - $75k
$44,010
$35,669
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$39,250
Over $110k
Not reported
$43,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
Not reported
35%
Freshman retention
0%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,916
$37,182
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,920
$38,361
Median debt at graduation
$36,844
$30,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
46%
First-generation students
Not reported
50%
International students
4%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Rolling
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Design Institute of San Diego or California Aeronautical University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Design Institute of San Diego or California Aeronautical University?
California Aeronautical University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,126 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $44,010 at Design Institute of San Diego. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Design Institute of San Diego and California Aeronautical University?
Before aid, California Aeronautical University costs about $46,233 a year and Design Institute of San Diego about $55,911. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is bigger, Design Institute of San Diego or California Aeronautical University?
California Aeronautical University is the larger of the two, with about 347 undergraduates against 77 at Design Institute of San Diego.
Do graduates of Design Institute of San Diego or California Aeronautical University earn more?
Design Institute of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,920 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,361 for California Aeronautical University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Design Institute of San Diego and California Aeronautical University require SAT or ACT scores?
Design Institute of San Diego is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California Aeronautical University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school