UCSD vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California San Diego in La Jolla, CA with Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California San Diego is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (44,256 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California San Diego is located in La Jolla, CA (Large City setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• University of California San Diego is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California San Diego 19:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

UCSD vs. Fresno Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSD or Fresno Pacific University? 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 Fresno Pacific University ($14,047 vs. $15,261).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 46.2% lower than at University of California San Diego ($10,210 vs. $18,970).
• Fresno Pacific University is 118.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSD (about $19,902 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $16,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at UCSD than at Fresno Pacific University (about $14,298 more per year; $50,958.00 vs. $36,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at University of California San Diego (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 15% larger than aid received by University of California San Diego students ($29,616 vs. $25,757).

UCSD vs. Fresno Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSD or Fresno Pacific University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fresno Pacific University and UCSD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California San Diego (1380) is 270 points higher than at Fresno Pacific University (1110).
• Incoming UCSD students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 20 at Fresno Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 1270/1480; Fresno Pacific University 970/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 28/34; Fresno Pacific University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSD - Test-free; Fresno Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSD Nov 30, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSD students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Fresno Pacific University (3.54).
• Fresno Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (64.1%) than UCSD (26.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at UCSD vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

UCSD vs. Fresno Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSD and Fresno Pacific University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California San Diego's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fresno Pacific University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of California San Diego earn a median of about $24,300 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,900 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California San Diego graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($18,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UCSD graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($191 vs. $222).
• More UCSD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 53%)

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.