About University of California-San Diego
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,750 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $84,943 ten years after leaving school. That's a strong return on investment, especially considering the median debt load sits at just $15,500. Low-income students (families earning under $30,000) pay only $7,487 per year, making this research university accessible to students from all backgrounds.
The student body is 34% Asian and 25% Hispanic, creating one of the most diverse UC campuses. With a 24% acceptance rate, getting in requires strong academics, but the 94% retention rate shows students stick around once they arrive. The Tritons compete in Division II athletics across 21 sports, though most students focus more on research and academics than cheering in the stands.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.6%
- Retention Rate
- 93.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,943
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $162,463 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $127,993 |
| Economics. | Doctoral | $127,993 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $113,668 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $106,421 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $101,406 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Doctoral | $100,075 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $97,959 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $94,408 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $94,408 |
Campus Life
Weekends often involve trips to nearby beaches like Black's Beach (clothing optional and popular with surfers) or exploring San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. The campus itself can feel quiet on weekends since many students head home or to the beach. Don't expect big-time college sports atmosphere since UCSD competes in Division II, but the 552 student athletes across 21 varsity sports create smaller, tight-knit communities. The quarter system means you're always either starting classes, taking midterms, or cramming for finals, which keeps the academic pace intense but allows for unique scheduling flexibility.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 19,711 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
701 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 472 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Burglary | 36 | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 17 | 13 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 16 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 16 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 8 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
| Stalking | 14 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 47°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.2%
- Women
- 53.8%
- White
- 18.2%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic
- 25.3%
- Asian
- 34.3%
- In-State Students
- 74.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Location
- Address
- La Jolla, California 92093
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,943
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $84,593
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $164/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-San Diego?
UC San Diego accepts 23.71% of applicants, making it highly selective among public universities. The school draws from a massive applicant pool seeking access to its world-well-known research programs and six-college system.
How much does University of California-San Diego cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,750 annually, well below the sticker price thanks to California's strong financial aid programs. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,487 per year, while graduates typically leave with only $15,500 in debt.
What is University of California-San Diego known for academically?
UCSD operates as a powerhouse research university with particular strength in medicine, engineering, and sciences. The school's unique six-college system allows 33,787 students to find smaller communities within the larger university, though classes can be large with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio.
What do University of California-San Diego graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $84,943 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong job market for UCSD's STEM-heavy programs. The employment rate reaches 89.6%, with graduates finding success in biotech, tech, and research fields concentrated around San Diego.
Where do students live at University of California-San Diego?
The campus houses 19,711 students in residence halls tied to the six-college system, creating distinct residential communities. Room and board costs $17,198 annually, but the La Jolla location offers year-round beach weather and proximity to major biotech companies.
Does University of California-San Diego have strong athletics?
The Tritons compete in NCAA Division II with 21 varsity sports and 552 total athletes in the Big West Conference. While athletics take a backseat to academics, the school awards $5.16 million in athletic scholarships and maintains competitive programs despite its research focus.
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