University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA
PublicUrbanHSIWebsite
Acceptance Rate
25%
Enrollment
33,787
Graduation Rate
88%
Student-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$84,943
Retention Rate
94%

Admissions

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Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,265
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,042
Avg Net Price
$11,750
Room & Board
$17,198
Total COA
$36,325
Median Debt
$15,500

Net Price by Family Income

$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
Pell Grant Rate: 33%
Federal Loan Rate: 24%

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Net Price Estimator

Estimate your actual cost after financial aid based on family income. Residency affects tuition at public universities.

Sticker Price$63,240
Estimated Net Price$11,750 (avg)

This is a rough estimate based on published IPEDS data. Actual aid depends on your full financial profile, merit scholarships, and institutional policies.

University of California-San Diego's Official Net Price Calculator

Outcomes

Graduation Rate
88%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$84,943
Retention Rate
94%
Median Debt
$15,500

Top Programs

Biology
19.1%
Interdisciplinary Studies
17.1%
Engineering
11.0%
Social Sciences
11.0%
Psychology
8.5%
Computer Science
8.4%
Mathematics & Statistics
4.5%
Physical Sciences
3.8%
Health Professions
3.6%
Business & Marketing
3.0%

Top Majors

MajorGraduatesEarnings (4yr)
Cognitive Science632$67,751
International/Global Studies631$63,294
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences436
Computer Science435$131,731
Economics403$68,970
Political Science and Government390$55,931
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology389$53,331
Mathematics and Computer Science306
Biology, General302$56,216
Chemistry259$60,796
Mathematics252$56,452
Public Health250$53,015
Communication and Media Studies239$55,039
Psychology, General200$47,072
Neurobiology and Neurosciences183$55,660

Demographics

Men 46%Women 54%
White
18.2%
Black
1.8%
Hispanic
25.3%
Asian
34.3%
Two or More
6.3%
International
11.8%

Application Info

Deadlines

ED2025-11-01
EA2025-11-01
RD2026-01-01
0 required essays, 8 optional
Optional350 words

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

Optional350 words

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Optional350 words

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Optional350 words

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Optional350 words

Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Optional350 words

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Optional350 words

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

Optional350 words

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?

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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Last updated January 2026.