Closed for-profit college that offered healthcare, business, and technology programs in San Diego.
California College San Diego originated in December 1971 as Scottsdale Education Center in Phoenix, Arizona, initially focusing on vocational-technical and allied health programs. It became California College for Respiratory Therapy (CCRT) in 1977 when it moved to San Diego, and was renamed California College of Health Sciences (CCHS) in 1983. Following acquisitions by National Education Company (1996), Harcourt General (1997), Thomson Corporation (2001), and California College Inc. (2003), it became California College San Diego and expanded its academic offerings to include business, technology, and medical specialties.
The college awarded associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs across healthcare, business, and technology disciplines. It was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), with selected programs such as Respiratory Therapy also holding specialized accreditation. The institution operated two physical campuses in San Diego and San Marcos, California, and offered distance education options.
In 2012, CCSD announced plans to convert to non-profit status for Title IV financial aid purposes through CEHE affiliation. However, federal investigations ensued, with the U.S. Department of Justice and Colorado Attorney General filing lawsuits alleging improper recruiter compensation and misleading student recruitment practices. On August 11, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education rejected the conversion, determining the institution did not meet non-profit ownership requirements. The college remained classified as for-profit for Title IV purposes.
On July 29, 2021, CEHE officials announced that California College San Diego and affiliated institutions would close on August 1, 2021, after more than 40 years of operation. The college's official website subsequently provided resources for transcript requests, credit transfer information to other institutions, and guidance on the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) for eligible students.