The Chicago School at San Diego logo

The Chicago School at San Diego

Accept Rate
100%
Grad Rate
58.6%
Enrollment
5
Tuition
$20,844
Median Salary
$56,899
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The Chicago School at San Diego offers an intimate and focused professional atmosphere, feeling more like a specialized institute than a traditional university. With an extremely small enrollment, students experience a tight-knit community dedicated to psychology and behavioral health. The vibe is highly collaborative and career-oriented, set within a modern urban campus.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

100%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Applicants should tailor their personal statements to demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in psychology or counseling, highlighting relevant volunteer or work experience. Given the 100% acceptance rate, the priority is ensuring all application materials are complete and submitted by deadlines, as admission is guaranteed for qualified applicants. Prospective students should also prepare for potential interviews or orientation sessions that assess their fit for a professional psychology program.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The school specializes almost exclusively in psychology and related behavioral sciences, offering deep expertise in its niche fields. Academics are practitioner-focused, with faculty who are active professionals bringing real-world experience into the classroom. While research opportunities exist, the curriculum is primarily designed to prepare students for clinical practice and professional licensure.

Popular Majors

Psychology
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

58.6%
Graduation Rate
5
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$20,844
In-state tuition/year
50%
Receive Pell Grants
50%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Diego

Students enjoy San Diego's perfect climate, with easy access to world-famous beaches, Balboa Park, and a vibrant downtown scene. The city offers endless outdoor activities from surfing and hiking to exploring the renowned San Diego Zoo and a thriving food and craft beer culture.

Local Rent Check

$2,248 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Diego
Explore San Diego

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$83,376
$0Est. 4 Years: $83,376

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,899):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy urban area of San Diego, which generally has standard city-level security measures. Students should practice standard urban safety precautions when navigating the surrounding neighborhood and city.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable tuition for a professional degree
  • โœ“ 100% acceptance rate makes it accessible
  • โœ“ Specialized focus on psychology with practical training
  • โœ“ Small class sizes for personalized attention

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely small enrollment limits campus diversity and social life
  • โœ— Very limited program offerings outside of psychology
  • โœ— Lacks the traditional 'college town' campus experience
  • โœ— Primarily a commuter-style professional institute

Notable Alumni

Dr. Belinda S. (Alumni Example)
Graduate who became a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma recovery.
Dr. Javier R. (Alumni Example)
Former student who now works as a school psychologist within the San Diego Unified School District.
Maria G. (Alumni Example)
Alumna who founded a successful private practice focused on marriage and family therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chicago School at San Diego is known for its specialized focus on psychology and behavioral health sciences. It is a branch campus of The Chicago School, a nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The campus provides professional training for careers in counseling, psychology, and related fields, emphasizing hands-on experience and practitioner-led education.

No, The Chicago School at San Diego has an acceptance rate of 100.0%. This indicates an open admissions policy for applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. While admission is not selective, applicants are still required to submit a complete application, including transcripts and other necessary documents, to be considered for enrollment.

Campus life is professional, intimate, and academically focused, reflecting its very small enrollment of just 5 students. The environment resembles a specialized professional institute rather than a traditional large university, with a strong sense of community among students pursuing similar career paths in psychology. Student activities are likely centered around professional development, guest lectures, and networking within the behavioral health field.

Yes, the school presents a strong financial case, with an annual tuition of $20,844, which is substantially lower than many other graduate and professional programs. The 10-year median earnings of $56,899 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment for a career in psychology. For students seeking an affordable and direct path into the psychology field, the low cost and high acceptance rate make it a valuable and accessible option.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sharp Healthcare San Diego Unified School District Rady Children's Hospital Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Private Clinical Practices
Smart Start Score
53

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 7
  • In-State Tuition $20,844
  • Zip Code 92101

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 20% โ™€ 80%

The Money Talk

With an annual tuition of just over $20,000, the school offers a significantly more affordable path to a graduate-level professional degree compared to many competitors. The 10-year median earnings of $56,899 for graduates provide a solid return on investment, especially given the low upfront cost. This financial accessibility makes it a compelling option for students pursuing a career in psychology without accumulating massive debt.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $20,844
Housing (12 mo) $26,976
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $55,020
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.