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University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, California — 9500 Gilman Dr, 92093

Annual Tuition $15,265
Enrollment 33,787
Acceptance Rate 24.5%
Median Salary $84,943

University of California-San Diego is a leading Public institution located in La Jolla, California. Established to provide high-quality education, University of California-San Diego offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

University of California-San Diego Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location La Jolla, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 33,787 students
Median Salary $84,943

University of California-San Diego — Institution Overview

Institution Name University of California-San Diego
Location La Jolla, California
Official Website https://www.ucsd.edu/
Address 9500 Gilman Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
Institution Type Public
Total Students 33,787

University of California-San Diego Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 24.5% Highly Selective
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

University of California-San Diego Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $15,265
Out-of-State Tuition $46,042
Pell Grant Rate 32.9%
Median Debt (Completers) $15,500

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

University of California-San Diego cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $7,487/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $7,864/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $10,389/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $17,131/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $7,487 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from University of California-San Diego, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer Science. salary after University of California-San Diego

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $162,463 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $148,262 4yr: $245,333
2

Computer Engineering. salary after University of California-San Diego

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $127,993 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $167,912
3

Economics. salary after University of California-San Diego

Doctoral Degree
High earning
2yr salary $127,993 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $187,289

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

University of California-San Diego Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

24.5% Highly Selective

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 33,787
Undergrad 25,203
Retention Rate 93.9% full-time
Full-Time Students 97.2%

Courses and Academic Programs at University of California-San Diego

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Cognitive Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,331
International/Global Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,216
Computer Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 972
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences.
Bachelor's
Graduates 966
Political Science and Government.
Bachelor's
Graduates 843
Economics.
Bachelor's
Graduates 839
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 736
Computer Science.
Master's
Graduates 602
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 570
Chemistry.
Bachelor's
Graduates 570
Showing top 10 of 170 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at University of California-San Diego

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $84,943 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $65,669
Graduation Rate 87.6% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — University of California-San Diego
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $65,669
10 Years After Entry $84,943
Is University of California-San Diego Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $11,750
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $84,943
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 802100%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at University of California-San Diego

Total Students 33,787
Undergrad 25,203
Graduate 8,584
Retention Rate 93.9% full-time

Gender Breakdown

53.8%
46.2%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 97.2%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

Asian
34.3%
Hispanic
25.3%
White
18.2%
International
11.8%
Two or More Races
6.3%
Unknown / Unreported
2.2%
Black
1.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 39.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 72%
🎖️
Veterans 0.3%
💍
Married Students 1.6%
📅
Students Age 25+ 4.2%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 62.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $76,397
Average Family Income $53,756
Median Family Income $35,914

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

57.1%
42.9%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 32.9% of students
Federal Loan Rate 24.1% of students
Avg Net Price $11,750 after aid
Median Debt $15,500 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $15,500
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $9,200
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $23,800

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact University of California-San Diego's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of California-San Diego Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 87.6%
Median Graduate Salary $84,943
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms University of California-San Diego meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for University of California-San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions about University of California-San Diego

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-San Diego?

University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 24.5%, making it a highly selective institution.

How much is tuition at University of California-San Diego?

Tuition at University of California-San Diego is $15,265 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of California-San Diego?

Graduates of University of California-San Diego earn a median salary of $84,943 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is University of California-San Diego located?

University of California-San Diego is located at 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, California 92093. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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