University of California-San Diego Overview

University of California-San Diego is a four-year, full-time, more selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in La Jolla, CA. It has an enrollment of 33,339 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 34.20%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $14,895. Tuition is $14,700.00 without financial aid.

University of California-San Diego is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At University of California-San Diego, 95.00% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

University of California-San Diego has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1.

University of California-San Diego Website

University of California-San Diego Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 34.20%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

University of California-San Diego Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $14,895. The in-state tuition is $14,700.00. Out-of-state tuition is $44,454.00

The average tuition is:

• $7,954, when family income is less than $30,000

• $10,192, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $13,744, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $20,125, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $28,952, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 24.60% of students received a federal student loan and 33.38% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $44,454.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

University of California-San Diego Net Price Calculator

University of California-San Diego Majors/Salaries

University of California-San Diego has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at University of California-San Diego here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $86,972
• Computer Science. (Master’s Degree) – $162,463
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $55,331
• Education, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $106,421
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,218
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $75,706
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Doctoral Degree) – $100,075
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,464
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,221
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $73,195
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $79,688
• Computer Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $127,993
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,606
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $94,408
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,846
• Engineering, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Engineering, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $113,668
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,420
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,642
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,805
• Biology, General. (Master’s Degree) – $35,060
• Biology, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $73,949
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,964
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,224
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Master’s Degree) – $42,759
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,381
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,729
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,087
• Cognitive Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,870
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Chemistry. (Master’s Degree) – $50,105
• Chemistry. (Doctoral Degree) – $51,106
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Doctoral Degree) – $50,270
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
• Physics. (Doctoral Degree) – $94,408
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Research and Experimental Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $15,817
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,421
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,300
• Economics. (Doctoral Degree) – $127,993
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $59,901
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
• Political Science and Government. (Doctoral Degree) – $72,762
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Urban Studies/Affairs. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,729
• Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,771
• Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Master’s Degree) – $18,401
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,967
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Master’s Degree) – $28,960
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,309
• Visual and Performing Arts, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $97,959
• Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $58,823
• Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $79,699
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,726
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $101,406
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,432
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,047

University of California-San Diego Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at University of California-San Diego

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.09%
• Asian: 33.55%
• Black: 1.63%
• Hispanic: 21.96%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.15%
• Non-resident alien: 16.15%
• Two or more races: 5.61%
• Unknown: 1.89%
• White: 18.97%

At University of California-San Diego, 4.66% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

University of California-San Diego Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at University of California-San Diego?

The University of California-San Diego, also known as UCSD, has a unique campus culture, and school spirit is one of its defining characteristics. UCSD students are passionate about their university, and school spirit is high, particularly during Triton Athletics games. The school offers a range of sports teams that compete at both the Division II and Division III levels; popular sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and water polo. Additionally, the campus community frequently comes together to cheer on school teams, participate in school-sponsored events, and show their Triton pride. UCSD also has a number of student-run organizations and clubs that actively promote social and academic involvement on campus, further enhancing school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at University of California-San Diego?

At the University of California-San Diego, there are many popular extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Some of the most popular extracurriculars at UC San Diego include: 1. Student government and political organizations 2. Community service and volunteer organizations 3. Cultural and diversity clubs 4. Sports and recreational clubs 5. Academic and professional organizations 6. Performing arts groups 7. Environmental and sustainability organizations 8. Religious and spiritual groups 9. Creative and artistic organizations UC San Diego also has many opportunities for students to get involved in research and internships, which can also be considered extracurricular activities.

How are the food choices at University of California-San Diego?

The University of California-San Diego (UCSD) offers a wide range of food options through its various dining facilities and restaurants. There are over 20 locations on campus, including cafes, food trucks, and restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, from Italian to vegan. Additionally, there are plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions, including halal, kosher, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Some of the popular dining options at UCSD include Pines (a buffet-style dining hall), 64 Degrees (a restaurant with global flavors), and Roots (a vegan and vegetarian eatery). Overall, students at UCSD have plenty of food choices to explore and enjoy.

Is there Greek life at University of California-San Diego?

Yes, there is Greek life at University of California-San Diego (UCSD). According to the university’s website, there are 21 recognized fraternities and sororities on campus. These organizations are overseen by the Center for Student Involvement and there are opportunities for students to participate in leadership roles and community service projects through the Greek system. However, it is important to note that not all students at UCSD are involved in Greek life and that it is just one aspect of campus culture.

What is University of California-San Diego known for?

The University of California-San Diego (UCSD) is known for its strong academic programs in the fields of sciences, engineering, and technology. It has a renowned research program and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). UCSD is also recognized for its cutting-edge facilities such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the Qualcomm Institute. The university is located on a beautiful coastal campus and offers a dynamic student life with over 600 student organizations and NCAA Division II athletic teams.

What are the most popular school clubs at University of California-San Diego?

The University of California-San Diego (UCSD) has a diverse range of student organizations and clubs for students. Some of the most popular student clubs at UCSD include: 1. Associated Students 2. Greek Life 3. Outback Adventures 4. Student Sustainability Collective 5. Korean American Student Association 6. Vietnamese Student Association 7. Japanese Student Association 8. Black Student Union 9. Muslim Student Association 10. Engineers Without Borders These are just a few examples of the types of clubs that UCSD students can get involved in. With over 600 student organizations on campus, there is something for everyone.

Is the campus at University of California-San Diego safe?

Yes, the campus at the University of California-San Diego is generally considered to be safe. The campus has its own police department, which patrols the campus 24/7 and provides a variety of safety services including escorts, emergency call boxes, and crime prevention programs. Additionally, the university has a comprehensive emergency notification system to quickly alert students, faculty, and staff in the event of any emergencies or safety concerns. However, as with any university campus, it is always important to take appropriate precautions and report any suspicious activity to campus security.