SWC News Center

Expanding University Access: SWC, SDSU, and UC San Diego Partner to Strengthen Educational Pathways in South County

By: SWC Staff - October 25, 2025

In a historic step toward expanding university access in south San Diego county, Southwestern College (SWC) has partnered with San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) to increase higher education opportunities for students in the region and strengthen the pipeline from community college to 4-year universities.

“It will change people's lives. As a first generation student myself I know exactly what it means to be able to have access to higher education,” states Assemblymember David Alvarez. “Students who are able to complete their education within their own community are more likely to succeed and can complete their entire education. That’s what being present in south county means.”

The partnerships will bring four-year degree programs and shared academic resources closer to home for thousands of students living in the south county and border regions. By leveraging the strengths of each institution, the partnerships support the development of seamless transfer pathways, innovative degree programs, and expanded workforce development initiatives aligned with regional economic needs.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to educational equity,” explains Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of SWC. “For too long, south county students have faced barriers to university access. Together, we are creating pathways that are local, affordable, and life-changing. These collaborations ensure that students can pursue advanced degrees without leaving their community.”

The partnership builds upon recent progress, including the establishment of SWC’s University Center and the introduction of bachelor’s degree pathways through partners like California State University San Marcos. The addition of UC San Diego and SDSU strengthens this regional effort, aligning with state goals to expand access to higher education and close opportunity gaps for underrepresented communities.

Leaders of our partner institutions emphasized the importance of collaboration in supporting student success and workforce readiness.

“I think this partnership is critical,” President of SDSU, Adela de la Torre explains. “...we have about 500-600 transfer students [per year] coming from Southwestern College and they do exceedingly well. All of these students will become managers and leaders in this area, and it will make this region, this county, this country stronger as we produce these students.”

“UC San Diego is committed to serving Californians by expanding access to a world-class education and ensuring that geography is never a barrier to opportunity,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “This new B.S. in public health program, created in partnership with Southwestern College, reflects our dedication to making higher education more accessible in the south bay while advancing teaching and research that address the unique needs of this vibrant and diverse region.”

Launching in Fall 2026, SWC students will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology through SDSU at our SWC campus in Chula Vista. Also beginning in Fall 2026, UC San Diego will offer a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, expanding access to high-demand health professions and strengthening educational pathways for students.

Under the new partnerships, the institutions will work together to:

• Increase academic advising, transfer support, and co-enrollment opportunities for SWC students.
• Foster joint research and faculty collaborations addressing binational, border, and regional issues.
• Expand workforce development programs tied to local industry needs.

The agreement underscores the importance of educational partnerships in advancing economic mobility and community prosperity in the CaliBaja region.