Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. UCSD

Comparable Facts

Compare Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott in Prescott, AZ with University of California San Diego in La Jolla, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California San Diego is larger than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott based on total student enrollment (44,256 students vs. 3,264 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is located in Prescott, AZ (Small City setting); University of California San Diego is in La Jolla, CA (Large City setting).
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California San Diego is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott 17:1; University of California San Diego 19:1.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. UCSD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or UCSD? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of California San Diego than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ($14,047 vs. $41,864).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott are 21.3% lower than at University of California San Diego ($14,928 vs. $18,970).
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is 163.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSD (about $27,391 more per year; $44,149.00 vs. $16,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at UCSD than at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott (about $6,809 more per year; $50,958.00 vs. $44,149.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott than at University of California San Diego (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California San Diego students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott students ($25,757 vs. $21,054).

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. UCSD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or UCSD? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UCSD and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of California San Diego (1380) is 120 points higher than at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (1260).
• Incoming UCSD students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 26 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott 1140/1370; University of California San Diego 1270/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott 24/29; University of California San Diego 28/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott - Test optional; UCSD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSD Nov 30, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott students have the same average high school GPA (3.82) as students at UCSD (3.82).
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than UCSD (26.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. 20.4% at UCSD.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. UCSD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott and UCSD? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of California San Diego's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott's (57%).
• Graduates from University of California San Diego earn a median of about $700 more per year than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,900 vs. $67,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California San Diego graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates ($18,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UCSD graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates ($191 vs. $258).
• More UCSD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.