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23.7%Acceptance
$15,265Tuition
33,787Students
88%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$84,943Earnings
#7 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$15,265
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,042
Average Net Price
$11,750
Students Receiving Financial Aid
32.9%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$17,198
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$15,566
Books & Supplies
$1,307
Total Cost of Attendance
$33,770
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$164/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
82.1%
Students Taking Federal Loans
24.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.9%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $7,487
$30,001 – $48,000 $7,864
$48,001 – $75,000 $10,389
$75,001 – $110,000 $17,131
$110,001+ $28,113

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay far less than the $46,042 out-of-state sticker price at UC San Diego. The average net price is just $11,750, though this varies dramatically by income. Families making under $30,000 pay only $7,487 per year, while those earning over $110,000 pay $28,113. Over four years, that's a range from about $30,000 to $112,000 total. Even California residents face real costs since room and board adds $17,198 annually.

Graduates typically leave with $15,500 in debt, which translates to monthly payments of $164. That's quite manageable given the median earnings of $84,943 ten years after graduation. Only 24% of students take federal loans, suggesting many families can afford UC San Diego without heavy borrowing. The best deal goes to low-income California residents, who get access to a top research university for less than many students pay at community colleges.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from University of California-San Diego:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.