How much does San Diego Mesa College cost, and how do I see a counselor?
California residents pay $46 per unit, about $552 for a full 12 units, and many first-time students go free for two years through the San Diego Promise. Book counseling online through eSARS or drop in at I4-303.
- Per unit (resident)
- $46
- Full-time (12 units)
- $552
- San Diego Promise
- Up to 2 yrs free
- Counseling
- 619-388-2672
Plus $23 health fee
Room I4-303
The short version
- Enrollment fee: $46 per unit for California residents, plus a $23 health fee; 12 units costs $552 before fees.
- The San Diego Promise covers up to two years of per-unit and health fees at City, Mesa and Miramar colleges, plus book grants for students with need.
- Promise students must file a FAFSA or California Dream Act application and enroll in 12+ units.
- Counseling is in room I4-303; appointments are booked online through eSARS; drop-ins fill fast during registration.
- Mesa College is at 7250 Mesa College Drive in Clairemont Mesa; general info is 619-388-2600.
San Diego Mesa College is the largest of the San Diego Community College District's three colleges, alongside City and Miramar, serving more than 31,000 students a year. It's a common first step toward SDSU, UC San Diego or a career certificate.
$46
Per unit
California residents
$552
12 units
Per semester, before fees
$0
With the Promise
If eligible
The San Diego Promise
Promise basics
| What you get | What you must do | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Per-unit fees covered for up to two years | File a FAFSA or California Dream Act application |
| Health fee | Covered | Enroll in 12 or more units |
| Books | Book grants if you show financial need | Meet a counselor once a semester |
| Support | Peer mentors and success coaches | Attend one campus event each semester |
What you get
- Tuition
- Per-unit fees covered for up to two years
- Health fee
- Covered
- Books
- Book grants if you show financial need
- Support
- Peer mentors and success coaches
What you must do
- Tuition
- File a FAFSA or California Dream Act application
- Health fee
- Enroll in 12 or more units
- Books
- Meet a counselor once a semester
- Support
- Attend one campus event each semester
The Promise isn't based on need or grades, but it's mainly for students new to college. It doesn't cover the extra $84-per-unit fee for bachelor's-degree courses. Since 2016 it has served more than 15,000 students; a record 2,601 enrolled through it in fall 2024.
Seeing a counselor
Mesa College counseling
- 01
Book an appointment online
One-hour appointments, used for education plans, transfer and career planning, are booked through eSARS. Mesa must be your home college or you must be enrolled in a Mesa class.
- 02
Or drop in
Drop-in counseling for quick questions is in room I4-303. During registration, drop-ins can fill hours before closing, so come early.
- 03
Call for help
Counseling: 619-388-2672. Transfer Center: 619-388-2473 (room I4-306), where SDSU reps hold 1-on-1 sessions.
- 04
Need mental-health support?
Student Health Services offers free counseling (619-388-2774), and enrolled students get free 24/7 virtual care through TimelyCare.
Planning to transfer? See SDSU, UCSD and USD admission rates.
Campus
Census geocoder.
Is this still right?
We last checked this tip against its sources on November 8, 2026, and we re-research every tip on a schedule. Things in San Diego change, sometimes overnight.
Prices, fees, hours and rules change, often at the start of a year or season. Confirm with the official source linked below before you rely on a number.
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax, medical or safety advice.
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SOURCES
Everything above traces back to one of these. Follow them — if one has changed and we haven't, that's our mistake, not yours.
- PrimarySan Diego Promise
San Diego Community College District
$46/unit, $23 health fee, $84 bachelor's fee not covered, eligibility
San Diego Community College District · 2026
12 units = $552; FAFSA/CADA and 12-unit requirement; Mesa address and phone
- PrimaryPromise Program
San Diego Mesa College
Not need- or merit-based; counselor and campus-event requirements; spring deadline
- PrimaryCounseling Services
San Diego Mesa College
Room I4-303 hours; drop-in demand during registration
San Diego Mesa College
eSARS online booking, eligibility
- PrimaryCounseling directory
San Diego Community College District
Mesa counseling 619-388-2672; mental health 619-388-2774
Times of San Diego · Jan. 14, 2025
Record 2,601 students; 15,879 served since 2016