Alliant International University-San Diego

Alliant is graduate-focused, offering master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology, education, business, law, and forensic studies ([14]). Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio ([15]) suggests intimate class sizes, though the 9% graduation rate ([9], [15]) raises eyebrows—possibly reflecting its professional-student demographic. Popular majors include Teaching English as a Second Language (92 graduates), Education (82), and Special Education (20), with Business degrees barely registering (2 graduates) ([16]). The San Diego campus ([13], [17]) emphasizes hands-on training, particularly in clinical psychology and forensic fieldwork, leveraging its Southern California location.

Life at Alliant’s San Diego campus is low-key but globally inflected. The university touts multiculturalism, with partnerships like the University of Londres in Mexico City ([21]), and emphasizes social responsibility ([22]). Student activities revolve around the Student Government Association (SGA) and niche clubs ([18]), though the campus lacks robust sports or entertainment facilities ([20]). Yelp reviews ([23]) highlight its Pomerado Road location as peaceful, with outdoor spaces for studying. Notably, some students live on campus ([21]), though the vibe skews commuter/professional.

Outcomes data is fragmented. The College Scorecard ([24]) reports a 52% graduation rate, starkly higher than BigFuture’s 9% ([9], [15]). Varsity Tutors ([26]) splits the difference, citing 64% graduation within 6 years. Early-career earnings average $60,000 ([27]), though program-specific outcomes vary widely—clinical psychology graduates likely fare better than general education majors. Alliant publishes detailed student achievement metrics by school ([25]), suggesting transparency amid the noise.

Tuition details are elusive, but 75% of students receive financial aid, with an average grant award of $9,933 and school grants averaging $1,200 ([29]). The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator ([32]) estimates costs based on prior-year data, while BigFuture ([30]) cites an average aid package of $5,413. Loans are common (75% take on debt), per PrepScholar ([29]). Alliant directs students to its tuition and fees page ([28]) for program-specific costs, though no hard numbers appear in available sources.

Alliant carves a niche with its hyper-specialized graduate programs—especially in forensic psychology and TESL—and global ethos ([22]). The 0% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (if accurate) would make it the most selective school in America, though this likely reflects reporting anomalies. Its tiny cohort sizes (e.g., 2 Business graduates in [16]) ensure individualized attention, while the San Diego location offers fieldwork opportunities from courts to clinics. Just don’t expect Big Ten football or climbing walls—this is a no-frills, career-training hub for aspiring practitioners.