Overview
Enrollment
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Online | ucsd.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in La Jolla, California, the University of California San Diego sits on 1,200 acres of coastal woodland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. The campus, established in 1960, features a mix of Brutalist and modern architecture, with distinctive concrete buildings designed by notable architects. UCSD operates on a six-college system where students live and study in smaller academic communities within the larger university framework, with most first-year students residing in campus housing. The university maintains selective admission standards and has gained recognition for its programs in biological sciences, engineering, oceanography, and international relations, alongside its affiliation with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. UCSD competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Tritons, following its transition from Division II in 2020.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UCSD is rated within the top 19% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of California San Diego within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#88 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in California
#3 in Best Public Colleges in California
#32 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1270/1480 |
| ACT | 28/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.82 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $80 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,307 |
| Other Fees | $3,431 |
| Room and Board | $17,198 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,735 |
| Total One Year Cost | $38,505 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,307 |
| Other Fees | $3,431 |
| Room and Board | $17,198 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,735 |
| Total One Year Cost | $69,282 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Biology | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 21% |
| Engineering | 10% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| General Studies | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UCSD are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110680 IPEDS survey data for University of California San Diego.
Current students may use the University of California San Diego GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025