At $11,750/yr net price, University of California-San Diego graduates earn $84,943/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $50,943/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,750 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,943/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,943/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,487/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,864/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,389/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,131/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,113/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $162,463 | $25,903 |
| 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 | $92,221 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Doctoral | $100,075 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $97,959 | $41,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $94,408 | $34,311 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $94,408 |
The Risk Factor
87.6% of students at University of California-San Diego graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UC San Diego delivers strong financial returns, with graduates earning a median of $84,943 ten years after enrollment while facing minimal debt loads of just $15,500. Your annual net cost of $11,750 makes this one of the strongest ROI propositions in higher education.
Computer science majors command the highest premiums at $162,463 annually, though they graduate with slightly higher debt at $25,903. Economics and computer engineering graduates both earn $127,993, making these programs financial powerhouses. Even the lowest-earning tracked program, education, still delivers over $106,000 in annual income.
Your biggest financial risk is getting shut out of high-paying programs entirely. UCSD's selectivity means competitive majors like computer science and engineering have additional admission hurdles beyond getting into the university. If you cannot access these programs, your earnings potential drops significantly.
The school works best financially if you can secure admission to STEM fields or economics. Out-of-state students face much steeper costs and should reconsider unless they gain California residency. The 33% of students receiving financial aid suggests middle-income families often pay full price without much help.
UC San Diego offers limited merit scholarships compared to private competitors, so your aid package will likely focus on need-based grants. Your best cost strategy involves establishing California residency if you are from out of state, then targeting the highest-paying majors where you can gain admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-San Diego worth the cost for most students?
UC San Diego offers strong ROI with a relatively low net price of $11,750 annually and median earnings of $84,943 ten years after graduation. The low median debt of $15,500 and 88% graduation rate make it a solid financial choice for most students.
Which majors at University of California-San Diego have the best return on investment?
Computer Science leads with median earnings of $162,463, followed by Economics and Computer Engineering at around $128,000. These tech-focused programs significantly outpace the school's overall median earnings of $84,943.
How much debt do University of California-San Diego graduates typically have?
UC San Diego graduates have a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. The combination of low debt and strong earning potential creates favorable loan-to-income ratios for most programs.
Is University of California-San Diego worth it for out-of-state students?
The published net price reflects in-state costs, so out-of-state students face significantly higher expenses. Out-of-state students should focus on high-earning majors like Computer Science or secure substantial financial aid to justify the additional cost.