Overview
Enrollment
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Online | ucsd.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of California-San Diego (UCSD) is a public research institution located in the coastal La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, known for its rigorous academic environment and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1960, the university is one of ten campuses in the University of California system, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. UCSD's campus architecture reflects a mix of modernist and brutalist styles and the university is structured into seven residential colleges, each with their own distinct housing and general education requirements. The institution's application process is highly selective, seeking students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. UCSD is particularly recognized for its programs in the sciences, engineering, medicine, and oceanography. Although UCSD does not emphasize athletics as a core component of its identity, it does compete in a range of sports within the NCAA Division I as the Tritons.
In the most recent statistical year 131,197 prospective students applied, and 31,103 were granted admission. Of those admitted 6,546 enrolled in the school. 40,252 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,754 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $11,564 plus fees of $3,342. UCSD is ranked 89 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UCSD is rated within the top 19% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of California San Diego within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#89 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in California
#3 in Best Public Colleges in California
#40 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1270/1480 |
| ACT | 28/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.82 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,175 |
| Other Fees | $3,342 |
| Room and Board | $16,710 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,249 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,040 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,175 |
| Other Fees | $3,342 |
| Room and Board | $16,710 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,249 |
| Total One Year Cost | $67,112 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Biology | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 21% |
| Engineering | 10% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| General Studies | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of California San Diego.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110680 IPEDS survey data for University of California San Diego.
Current students may use the University of California San Diego GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024