UCSD vs. University of Redlands

Comparable Facts

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

University of California San Diego is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (44,256 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UCSD vs. University of Redlands Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSD or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands ($14,047 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 4% lower than at University of California San Diego ($18,208 vs. $18,970).
• University of Redlands is 263.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSD (about $44,120 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $16,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.5% higher at University of Redlands than at University of California San Diego (about $9,920 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $50,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at University of California San Diego (98% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 86.9% larger than aid received by University of California San Diego students ($48,134 vs. $25,757).

UCSD vs. University of Redlands Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSD or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands and UCSD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California San Diego (1380) is 150 points higher than at University of Redlands (1230).
• Incoming UCSD students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 24 at University of Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 1270/1480; University of Redlands 1107/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 28/34; University of Redlands 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSD - Test-free; University of Redlands - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSD Nov 30, 2026; University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSD students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than UCSD (26.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at UCSD vs. 15.9% at University of Redlands.

UCSD vs. University of Redlands Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSD and University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands's (70%).
• Graduates from University of California San Diego earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than University of Redlands graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,900 vs. $56,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California San Diego graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($18,500 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, UCSD graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($191 vs. $294).
• More UCSD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Redlands students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 69%)

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.