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The University of California–San Diego (UCSD) is a leading research university and rated as among the top research institutions in the US and globally. The school has a long record of groundbreaking innovations and technological leadership. The University of California campus at San Diego merges academic and technological excellence with a dedication to social change and contributions to the betterment of populations across the world.


Overview of University of California–San Diego (UCSD)


The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a top-tier, four-year public research university in La Jolla, California. With a population of over 41,885, including 33,433 undergraduate students, UCSD is dedicated to providing exceptional education while also engaging in public service. The university aims to transform California and a diverse global society through education, knowledge dissemination, and creative works. UCSD strives to be a student-centered, research-focused, and service-oriented public university, with a vision to align its efforts toward achieving this goal. The university is also committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff and has no religious affiliation.

UCSD provides a variety of housing options for students, with options ranging from residence halls to apartments. With a focus on research, UCSD also offers programs in a wide range of academic disciplines including arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and more. Students are encouraged to engage in research and work with faculty members to make a positive impact in their respective fields. With its commitment to public service and cutting-edge research, UCSD is a leading institution of higher education and a highly sought-after university for students seeking a quality education.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 19:1
Graduation Rate 86%
Year Founded 1960

Student Enrollment


Total Students37,887

Undergraduate
30,285
Graduate
7,602

Undergraduate Student

Male 15,142.5
15,142.5
Female 15,142.5
15,142.5

Graduate Student

Male 3,801
3,801
Female 3,801
3,801

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UCSD Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS99,114

Male 45,333
Female 53,781

ACCEPTANCE29,734

Male 13,600
Female 16,134

Acceptance Rate30%

Male 30%
Female 30%

Enrollment 5,649

Male 2,801
Female 2,848
Admissions
Application Fee $70
High School GPA Required
High School Rank -
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations -
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline November 30
Common Application Accepted Yes

UCSD Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


On-campus expenses are an average of $37,040, while off-campus expenses cost an average of $35,435. Living with family off-campus is the most affordable option, with an average cost of $29,101, but this option is not available to most. In-state graduate students pay an average of $11,700 for tuition and $2,203 for fees, while out-of-state graduate students pay an average of $26,802 for tuition and $2,203 for expenses. However, financial aid is available to help offset these costs. Students receive an average of $19,225 in grant or scholarship aid, with Pell Grant recipients receiving an average of $5,505. Federal student loans are also available, with an average amount of $5,422 awarded to students. The cost of attending UC San Diego starts at an average net price of $15,632 per year.

Average net price 2017-2018
Net Price $13,452
Average Total Aid $19,393
Students Receiving Financial Aid 63%
Room & Board $14,271

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $14,415
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $44,169
  • Books and Supplies - $1,128
  • Room & Board - $14,271
  • Other - $4,035

Popular Educational Academics at UCSD


The University of California, San Diego, is an innovative public research university offering diverse academic programs. These programs include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. UCSD's educational offerings allow students to engage in advanced research and scholarship within their fields of study. The university offers doctorate degrees in research/scholarship and professional practice, providing students with the excellent education and hands-on training necessary to succeed in their careers.

Additionally, UC San Diego has a solid academic record with impressive retention and graduation rates. The school has a 90% retention rate for full-time students and a 75% retention rate for part-time students, which are both well above the national average. These help the university to demonstrate its commitment to supporting its students throughout their academic journey as the majority of students choose to return year after year. The overall graduation rate of 89% also reflects the university's dedication to ensuring student success and its ability to provide a high-quality education.

The student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 indicates that students can expect to receive individualized attention from their professors and have access to valuable resources to support their academic progress. This ratio is important because it directly impacts the quality of education students receive. With a lower student-to-faculty ratio, students have more opportunities for personalized instruction and mentorship from their professors.

Student Population Total


Student Population 37,887

Undergraduate
30,285
Graduate
7,602
Evening Classes : -
Online Learning : -

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Biological & Biomedical Majors 1,621 Total Graduates / 21%
Anatomy 376 Graduates
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 267 Graduates
Neurobiology and Anatomy 220 Graduates
Bioinformatics 67 Graduates
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography 62 Graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 1,318 Total Graduates / 17%
International/Global Studies 465 Graduates
Cognitive Science 459 Graduates
Mathematics and Computer Science 377 Graduates
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 17 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 936 Total Graduates / 12%
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 173 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering 134 Graduates
Computer Engineering, General 115 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 104 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 102 Graduates
All Social Science Majors 872 Total Graduates / 11%
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 249 Graduates
Political Science and Government, Other 163 Graduates
Economics, General 143 Graduates
Sociology 92 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 91 Graduates
Mathematics and Statistics 462 Total Graduates / 6%
Mathematics, Other 168 Graduates
Applied Mathematics, General 161 Graduates
Statistics, Other 73 Graduates
Mathematics, General 60 Graduates
All Computer Information Science Majors 411 Total Graduates / 5%
Computer Science 411 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 26%

Outcome & Salary


Ninety percent of full-time first-time students receive a degree, as well as 67% of part-time first-time students. Again, these are statistics well above the national average. The school also has a high retention rate, with full-time non-first-time students at 92% and part-time non-first-time students at 80%. The school's focus on preparing students for the workforce is evident in the top employers of graduates including Google, Amazon, and Qualcomm. The most common careers pursued by graduates include education, engineering, research, business development, and healthcare. The jobs come along with a typical annual income of $74,771. These outcomes showcase the school's dedication to providing students with knowledge and skills.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $63,400
College Grads Average Salary $78,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $123,700
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $780,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $2,017,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $53,808
10 Year Projected ROI $726,192
20 Year Projected ROI $1,963,192
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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