The San Diego Community College District governing board has adopted a balanced operating budget of more than $1.05 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a budget that includes a 2.5% increase from the previous year during a time of continued enrollment growth.
Serving approximately 90,000 students annually at four colleges with campuses throughout the city, the SDCCD is the largest provider of higher education and workforce training in the region and has become a powerhouse in expanding career pathways and preparing students for a fast-evolving economy. A 2023 study found that for every $1 million in tax dollars spent educating SDCCD students, taxpayers receive an average of $1.4 million in return over the course of the students’ working lives.
The SDCCD Board of Trustees approved the spending plan on a unanimous vote at its September 12 meeting. The budget includes nearly $643 million in General Fund spending and $402 million from other revenue. Funding sources are varied, and include local property taxes, enrollment fees, federal financial aid and other revenue streams.
Nearly one-third of this year’s budget – $326.7 million – is coming from a state Student Centered Funding Formula that is based in part on how well students are faring. Besides a base allocation that largely reflects enrollment, the Student Centered Funding Formula includes factors such as the numbers of students receiving financial aid, along with a student success allocation based on outcomes such as the number of students earning associate degrees and certificates and the number of students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
“The adopted SDCCD budget reflects our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility while prioritizing student success and educational excellence across our colleges,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith, who credited extensive collaboration among the Board of Trustees, college presidents, district administrative councils, academic and classified senates, faculty, and student leadership at the college and district level. “Through their hard work, we will continue to provide accessible, high-quality education which uplifts individuals and communities equitably across our region.”
Smith says enrollment is up 6% thus far for the fall semester, continuing a three-year trend across the district with more and more students taking advantage of additional support services and flexible class options.