San Diego’s public community-college system is not a single campus or a single kind of program. The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) serves the city and surrounding communities through three credit-bearing colleges—San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College and San Diego Miramar College—and San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), whose seven locations deliver noncredit adult education. The district says it serves about 90,000 students a year. That scale creates several entry points: a student may pursue an associate degree and transfer, earn a workforce certificate, complete a bachelor’s degree offered at one of the colleges, or begin with English, a high-school credential or tuition-free career training. The key first decision is whether the goal requires college credit. The North City, Mid-City, West City, Educational Cultural Complex, Harbor View, CE at Mesa and CE at Miramar locations are all part of SDCCE; they are not additional associate-degree colleges.
For credit classes, start with the district’s admission application and steps to enroll. After applying, a new student receives a student identification number and sets up the mySDCCD portal. The next steps depend on the college and program, but commonly include orientation, placement or guided self-placement, an education plan and course registration. A high-school diploma is not a universal prerequisite for every course or pathway; age, prior schooling, visa status and program-specific rules can change the route, so applicants should use the relevant admissions page rather than assume one rule covers all. Select the college that offers the intended major, then check the current catalog and class schedule: courses, labs and student services may be located at different sites or online. For a first-time applicant who needs help with the form, City College’s Welcome Center and SDCCE’s campus Welcome Centers offer a direct place to begin.
The published credit enrollment fee is $46 per semester unit. For students classified as nonresidents of California for tuition purposes, the district lists an additional $377 per unit effective Fall 2026; this is on top of the $46 enrollment fee. The district also lists a health-services fee of $23 in fall and spring or $17 in summer, plus a $2 student representation fee each semester. Some courses carry extra costs for labs, materials, examinations or equipment, and upper-division bachelor’s courses have an additional $84 per unit fee. These figures are a rate schedule, not a promise of a student’s total bill: residency status, number of units, program charges, books and aid all affect the final amount. Use the official tuition and fee page and ask the campus accounting office to check the account before registering.
Several forms of aid can reduce the price. Students can submit the federal FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), then review eligibility for Pell Grants, state aid, work-study and the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), which can waive the per-unit enrollment fee for eligible students. EOPS and other support programs have separate eligibility and services. Each of City, Mesa and Miramar also has scholarship resources, while the districtwide San Diego Promise can cover enrollment and health fees for up to two years for students who meet its requirements; book grants may be available to eligible students with demonstrated need. Promise applicants must also complete admission and financial-aid steps, meet residency and enrollment conditions, and apply before the term’s deadline. The Spring 2027 application page currently lists a February 8, 2027 closing time, but admission is not guaranteed and the program may fill earlier. Read the current application instructions and contact a Promise counselor before counting on the benefit.
For someone still building English, the district has two distinct routes. City College’s English Language Acquisition (ELAC) is an academic credit program for multilingual students at intermediate-to-advanced levels; its upper-level coursework can transfer to the CSU or UC systems. SDCCE’s noncredit ESL serves adults 18 and older from beginning through advanced levels, online or in person, with classes in general English, job search, workplace communication, citizenship and family-related topics. A first-time SDCCE learner applies through CCCApply to receive a student ID, sets up mySDCCD and registers for an available class; many programs also require orientation. Noncredit instruction has no tuition or registration fee, though books, supplies, transportation, childcare, technology or optional certification costs may remain. Students who need academic English for a degree should ask the credit college about placement and ELAC; those seeking an initial language foundation can compare SDCCE’s ESL schedule and nearby campus locations. English support is a pathway into further study, not a guarantee that a particular credit course will be offered at the same campus.
Program length is best understood by credential, then checked course by course. California associate degrees require at least 60 semester units, but the number of units a student actually takes can be higher because of prerequisites, a change of major, part-time study or transfer requirements. A full-time student following a prepared two-year map may finish an associate degree in roughly two academic years; that is a planning horizon, not a fixed completion promise. Certificates vary by occupation and may take shorter or longer sequences. The district now lists three applied bachelor’s degrees: Cyber Defense and Analysis at City, Health Information Management at Mesa and Public Safety Management at Miramar. These are upper-division programs with program-specific entry and coursework; applicants should consult the degree map, catalog and department before estimating time or tuition. For transfer, compare the college’s associate degree for transfer and the receiving university’s major requirements, because a credential alone does not guarantee that every course will satisfy a university major.
The system’s history is visible in the different roles of its campuses. San Diego City College began in 1914 as San Diego Junior College, initially with a small class at the high school; the district was established separately by voters in 1972. Mesa opened in 1964 and Miramar in 1969. SDCCE’s adult-learning tradition also reaches back to 1914, and its current noncredit division offers ESL, adult basic education, high-school diploma and equivalency preparation, career education, citizenship and lifelong-learning classes. City sits in the downtown grid near the City College trolley station and combines transfer study with health, arts, technology and career programs. Mesa is a large Kearny Mesa campus with academic buildings, student services, athletics and a transit station. Miramar’s Mira Mesa site has a transit center served by MTS Rapid 235 and 237, plus parking structures and student lots; a permit is required for drivers. Downtown and suburban campuses have different travel patterns, so use the college map and the MTS trip planner for the exact class location and time.
Before applying, make a short checklist: choose credit or noncredit study; identify the exact award and the campus that teaches it; compare the published unit map with your work and family schedule; submit FAFSA or CADAA if seeking aid; and ask an adviser which classes are offered in the next term. Use the links above for the official application, financial-aid form, Promise deadlines and ESL registration. The district’s campus profiles below describe the facilities, program focus, address and transport information published for each site. They help narrow the choice, but the live catalog and class schedule remain the final word on course availability. A district-wide student record can connect City, Mesa and Miramar credit coursework, yet Continuing Education runs a separate noncredit class portfolio; an adult learner can move between these options, but should confirm admissions, placement and credit transfer with the program before making plans.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
San Diego City College — Main Campus
1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
City College is a 60-acre campus woven into downtown San Diego, a few blocks from the City College trolley station and the city’s civic and commercial core. Its location suits students who want to combine classes with work or reach campus by transit; check the current MTS schedule and campus map for
A downtown, 60-acre college with transfer degrees, nursing, arts, technology, career programs and the district’s Cyber Defense and Analysis bachelor’s degree.
San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus
7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, CA 92111
Mesa College occupies a 104-acre site in Kearny Mesa, bordered by Tecolote Canyon and connected to the surrounding area by campus roads, bus service and the Rosa Parks Transit Station. The college map helps distinguish the academic core, student services, parking structure and athletic fields. Stude
A large Kearny Mesa campus opened in 1964, with transfer and career programs, athletics, arts facilities and a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management.
San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus
10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126
Miramar College is in Mira Mesa, north of the city center, at 10440 Black Mountain Road. A campus transit center connects the site with MTS Rapid routes 235 and 237 and local bus service; the college describes links to regional rail connections as well. Drivers can use two parking structures and stu
A Mira Mesa college founded in 1969, known for biotechnology, aviation, automotive and diesel technology, fire technology and public safety training.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus
8355 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
English language learning, adult diploma and career pathways in information technology.
North City combines adult learning with technology and workforce labs, including IT and Cisco training, a Welcome Center and disability support.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus
3792 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105
Mid-City serves adult learners seeking English, citizenship preparation, a high-school diploma or equivalency, basic education, business and electronic technician training.
A multilingual neighborhood learning center with ESL, citizenship, high-school equivalency, adult basic education, business and electronic technician classes.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus
3249 Fordham Street, San Diego, CA 92110
West City’s published areas include clothing and textiles, culinary and hospitality, child development, ESL and Emeritus courses for older adults. Program-specific workshops let students explore practical skills as well as academic goals.
West City focuses on hands-on adult training in clothing and textiles, culinary and hospitality, child development, English and lifelong learning.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex
4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113
The Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) brings together adult English, high-school equivalency and career education in areas such as automotive technology, construction trades, information technology and culinary training.
ECC is a large community-learning hub with career training in automotive technology, skilled trades, IT and culinary fields, plus ESL and adult education.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus
1901 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113
Harbor View is SDCCE’s current temporary name for the Barrio Logan campus previously known as César E. Chávez. The district’s trustees approved the temporary name in April 2026 while the community participates in a process to choose a permanent name.
The Barrio Logan campus combines English, adult basic education and career training with healthcare and child-development labs and immigrant support.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus
7350 Armstrong Place, San Diego, CA 92111
CE at Mesa is a separate SDCCE location beside the Mesa College area, not the same institution as San Diego Mesa College. Its published offerings include English classes, parent education, adult learning and business/accounting topics.
A purpose-built adult-learning site near Mesa College, with ESL, parent education, adult learning, business and creative programs, including art, ceramics and teaching-kitchen spaces.
San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus
10440 Black Mountain Road, Building A-100, Room A-104, San Diego, CA 92126
CE at Miramar is the Continuing Education site inside the larger Miramar College campus. The CE office is identified as Building A-100, Room A-104, a distinction that matters when using the college address or planning a visit.
A small SDCCE teaching location within Miramar College, offering adult ESL, child development and Emeritus courses with student support and a learning lab.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of San Diego City College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego City College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego City College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego City College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego City College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego City College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego City College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego City College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego City College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego City College — Main Campus · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Mesa College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Mesa College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Miramar College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Miramar College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Miramar College · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus ↗
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San Diego Miramar College — Main Campus · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — North City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Mid-City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — West City Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Educational Cultural Complex ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — Harbor View Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Mesa Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website of San Diego College of Continuing Education — CE at Miramar Campus ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
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California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
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San Diego Metropolitan Transit System · Accessed October 27, 2026
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San Diego College of Continuing Education · Accessed October 27, 2026
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