University of California-San Diego
University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, an average net price of $14,794, and an overall rank of #48 (Grade A). About 86.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $88,627 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 94.0% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 140.2%, roughly 90.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is University of California-San Diego Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-San Diego graduates 86.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 89.0% and keeps 94.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-San Diego's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $26,870 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,337 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,363 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,632 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,371 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $41,664 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.1% of University of California-San Diego students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,229 to $32,338 depending on family income. Use University of California-San Diego's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,235/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $32,338/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $88,627
- 10-Year Median Earnings $96,197
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~14.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.1%
- Employment Rate 91.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-San Diego graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of California-San Diego vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-San Diego's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-San Diego's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 34,948
- Full-Time Students 97.6%
- Part-Time Students 2.4%
- Retention Rate 94.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 86.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 89.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into University of California-San Diego
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-San Diego requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 26.7%, University of California-San Diego is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-San Diego accepts 26.7% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-San Diego undergraduates. International/Globalization Studies, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science draw the most students.
- International/Globalization Studies 7.5%
- Cognitive Science 7.5%
- Computer Science 5.2%
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 5.2%
- Economics 4.8%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.6%
See more majors
- Political Science and Government 4.6%
- Biology, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $160,463
- 2. Computer Engineering $154,498
- 3. Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology $138,331
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $120,436
- 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $118,528
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $107,359
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $99,554
- 8. Chemical Engineering $97,911
- 9. Engineering, Other $94,292
- 10. Civil Engineering $91,984
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $301,159
- 2. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $206,109
- 3. Economics (Doctoral Degree) $162,229
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $156,032
- 5. Physics (Doctoral Degree) $153,107
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $146,806
- 7. Engineering, Other (Master's Degree) $142,225
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degree) $141,614
- 9. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $141,515
- 10. Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $135,080
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $160,463—74% more than Civil Engineering ($91,984). Graduate: Computer Science programs lead with $301,159 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of California-San Diego. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 749 graduates)
- Cognitive Science (Bachelor's Degree, 722 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 518 graduates)
- International/Globalization Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 511 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 499 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (71 programs)▼
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- International/Globalization Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Psychology, Other
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Physics
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social Sciences, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Real Estate Development
- Education, General
- Philosophy
- English Language and Literature, General
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Music
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Dance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Science
Online Master's Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Education, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Chemistry
- Public Health
- Materials Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Engineering, Other
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Statistics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physics
- Economics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Computational Science
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Sociology
- History
- Engineering Physics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Music
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Anthropology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Cognitive Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Engineering Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Materials Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Education, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Physics
- Engineering, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Cognitive Science
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mathematics
- Systems Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Civil Engineering
- Public Health
- History
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Engineering Science
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Psychology, Other
- Music
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Philosophy
- Computer Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Literature
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering Physics
- Education, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Data Science
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 34,948
- Full-Time Students 97.6%
- Part-Time Students 2.4%
- Male Students 45.2%
- Female Students 54.8%
- Caucasian 17.2%
- Asian 34.6%
- Hispanic 26.5%
- Black 1.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-San Diego's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-San Diego's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-San Diego support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-San Diego, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-San Diego has a diverse student body, with 17.2% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-San Diego support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-San Diego, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-San Diego delivers an 0.0% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #48 overall, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 86.0% graduation rate and $88,627 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $14,794 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 94.0% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of California-San Diego's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | Overall Rank: #48 of 1934 | 97.6/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $14,794 annually, University of California-San Diego costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 0.0% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($88,627 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 0 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of California-San Diego balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 86.0% graduation rate sits 23.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 94.0% first-year retention is 17.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $88,627 run about 44% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,794 is roughly $5,114 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years is 23.5 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years sits 23.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 38.1% trails the national share by 0.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in La Jolla, CA, University of California-San Diego operates as a public university and receives a A from EDsmart. It holds a #48 overall ranking Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 94.0% retention, 86.0% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 89.0% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,794 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $41,664.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,870 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $88,627 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 44% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.7%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
26.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-San Diego admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-san-diego/
MLA (9th): “University of California-San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-san-diego/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-san-diego/.
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other California campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-San Diego's acceptance rate?
University of California-San Diego's acceptance rate is 26.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of California-San Diego cost?
At University of California-San Diego, listed tuition and fees are $17,337 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,794. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-San Diego's ranking?
University of California-San Diego ranks #48 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-San Diego's graduation rate?
At University of California-San Diego, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 86.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 89.0%, and first-year retention is 94.0%.
What are University of California-San Diego's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-San Diego report median earnings of $88,627 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-San Diego's student population?
University of California-San Diego enrolls about 34,948 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Website www.ucsd.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$1.36B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate7.1%