San Diego City College Unveils Ambitious Student Housing Project
Nearly 60% of San Diego Community College District students face housing insecurity, with almost a quarter unhoused, a staggering statistic that highlights a critical challenge for local education. San Diego City College is directly addressing this crisis by launching an ambitious affordable student housing project, designed to provide stability and support for its most vulnerable learners. This initiative aims to remove a significant barrier to education and empower students to focus on their studies.
Tackling San Diego’s Student Housing Crisis Head-On
The severity of student housing insecurity in San Diego cannot be overstated. City College President Ricky Shabazz underscored that many students, unable to afford the city’s high cost of living, commute from afar or struggle to maintain full-time enrollment due to work obligations. This new project represents a direct response to these dire circumstances, acknowledging that a stable home environment is foundational to academic success.
Project Details: What to Expect from the New Housing
Located at 1601 B Street, the new student housing complex is slated for completion in April 2028. It promises to house at least 800 students, offering single-room beds across more than 83 apartment-style units, including studios, two-bed, and four-bed configurations. This development marks a significant step towards alleviating the housing crunch for San Diego’s community college students.
Modern Amenities for Student Life
Beyond affordability, the complex is designed with student well-being in mind. It will be fully solar-powered, featuring study lounges, a fitness center, a communal kitchen, and laundry facilities on each of its seven floors. A top-floor Sky Lounge will offer city views, providing a modern and dignified living experience. City College administrators hope this sets a new precedent for affordable housing standards.
Affordable Rent and Selection Process
While official rent prices are pending, City College officials aim for $1,000 or less per month—a target at least $500 cheaper than comparable dorms at local universities like UCSD and SDSU. Unlike typical lottery systems, units will be allocated to the highest-need students based on existing campus data and an application process. Priority will be given to justice-impacted individuals, veterans, former foster youth, and student parents, with a requirement for full-time enrollment to fast-track their educational and career progression.
| Housing Type | Estimated Monthly Rent (Target) |
|---|---|
| City College Affordable Housing | $1,000 or less |
| Comparable UCSD/SDSU Dorms | ~$1,500+ |
Funding and Future Vision for SDCCD
This $250 million project is entirely funded by Measure HH bonds, which San Diegans overwhelmingly passed last November. The initiative also involves a private-public partnership with The Michaels Organization, which covered predevelopment costs, demonstrating a collaborative approach to solving the crisis. This housing project is just the beginning; the district plans to expand affordable housing to its other community colleges and even explore employee housing options in the next decade, further cementing the message, “You belong here.”
A Precedent for Dignified Affordable Housing
SDCCD Board of Trustees member Geysil Arroyo emphasized the importance of student housing as a priority under Measure HH, stating, “You can’t focus on your studies if you’re worried about where you will sleep at night.” This project delivers on the promise to repair, improve, and reimagine campuses for the future, ensuring students have the stability needed to thrive.
For a virtual look at the future complex, view the 3D-rendered video tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the City College housing project be completed?
The project is set to be completed in April 2028. - How many students will the new complex house?
It will provide at least 800 single-room beds across more than 83 apartment-style units. - What is the target monthly rent for these units?
Officials hope rent will be $1,000 or less, significantly cheaper than comparable university dorms. - Who is eligible for the affordable housing units?
Units will prioritize highest-need students, including justice-impacted individuals, veterans, former foster youth, and student parents, who will be required to register full-time. - How is the project funded?
The $250 million project is 100% funded through Measure HH bonds, approved by San Diegan voters.
This transformative project offers a beacon of hope for San Diego students, demonstrating a concrete commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all.
San Diego City College Unveils Ambitious Student Housing Project
