Why this matters

Following years of financial strain and declining enrollment, San Diego Christian College’s future and the status of its roughly 100 students remain uncertain.

San Diego Christian College’s main sign has been removed. The sole reminder of its presence is the school logo on trash bins left at the site.

The more than 50-year-old college ended its lease and left the Riverview Parkway location in Santee at least a month ago, according to several sources including a property management representative and staff from other businesses in the complex.

Whether the school continues to offer courses remains unclear.

David Poole, president and CEO of San Diego Christian, and other senior leaders did not reply to repeated questions about the school’s status despite multiple attempts by inewsource via phone and email.

Prospective students can still access an application and an academic calendar for the coming year on the school’s website. The college has offered online courses previously.

For years, San Diego Christian’s budget problems have put its accreditation in jeopardy. As inewsource previously reported, school officials could not account for more than $20 million in expenses on public tax returns.

In 2024, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or WASC, issued the school a formal warning over its significant budget deficit despite recent donations. The college also needed to prove it had tripled enrollment to 300 students.

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The regional accrediting agency lifted that warning last year after the college improved budget planning and its short-term fiscal outlook. The agency still requires San Diego Christian to address low enrollment and revenue issues for long-term stability. The school remains under a notice of concern. Unresolved issues by the next review could result in sanctions.

WASC spokesperson Evelyn Somoza said the accrediting commission will review the college’s data in the fall. An in-person accreditation visit is also set for spring.

She said questions about institutional operations should go to San Diego Christian leaders. The WASC website shows no program changes noted since 2017.

If the school loses accreditation, students would lose access to federal grants and loans.

About 100 students were enrolled at San Diego Christian College, per federal data. Last year tuition and fees totaled nearly $30,000, and most students received federal or state loans.

Enrollment at nonprofit colleges has remained steady nationwide, while other higher education sectors saw slight gains, according to National Student Clearinghouse data.

Type of Content

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.