Overview
La Jolla, CA
UC San Diego, located in La Jolla, is famous for its research in oceanography, engineering, and the life sciences. The campus is home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Geisel Library, named after Dr. Seuss. UCSD's location along the Pacific coast offers students stunning ocean views and a vibrant cultural scene.
There are currently 33,787 undergraduates at UC San Diego and the school’s acceptance rate is 25%. The tuition at UC San Diego is $15,265 for in-state students and $46,042 for out-of-state.
University
City
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$38,505
$57,532
$11,750
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$38,505Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$69,282Since UC San Diego is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at UC San Diego is $38,505 for in-state students in CA, and $69,282 for out-of-state students. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at UC San Diego would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
University of California-San Diego Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at University of California-San Diego, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for University of California-San Diego is 001317.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at UC San Diego
If you reside in California and are considering UC San Diego, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more California scholarshipsNo Loan Policy at UC San Diego
UC San Diego is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check UC San Diego's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange
UC San Diego is in a state that participates in the Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange program. That means if you are a resident of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming, you may be eligible for discounted tuition at UC San Diego. Check out the full list of requirements and participating schools on their website.
Pell Grants at University of California-San Diego
34% of students at University of California-San Diego receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at UC San Diego. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
25%
Is UC San Diego test-optional?
University of California-San Diego is test-blind, which means that it does not allow applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that they won’t consider these scores from any applicant. Decisions are based more heavily on grades, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at UC San Diego?
Students must apply by November 30 to enroll at UC San Diego during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
19:1
Graduation Rate
88%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
19%
19% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
17%
17% of graduates
Social Sciences
11%
11% of graduates
Engineering
11%
11% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Mathematics
5%
5% of graduates
Physical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
4%
4% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
3%
3% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Architecture
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
33,787
Pell Grant 33%
Undergrad Students Over 25 4%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 54%
Ethnic Diversity at UC San Diego
34% Asian / Pacific Islander
25% Hispanic
18% White
12% International / Non-Citizen
6% Multiracial
2% Unknown
2% Black
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$84,943
Median Debt $15,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $164
Graduation Rate 88%
What is the graduation rate at University of California-San Diego?
88% of students who start at University of California-San Diego finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 30% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of California-San Diego go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at University of California-San Diego is $84,943. This is $34,552 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from University of California-San Diego who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at UC San Diego take out in loans?
Graduates of UC San Diego take out a median of $15,500 in federal student loans. This is $2,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent University of California-San Diego and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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