UC San Diego
UC San Diego at a Glance
UC San Diego Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #33 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #53 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #34 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #18 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #39 | #44 | #42 | #41 | #37 | #35 | #34 | #34 | #28 | #33 |
US News National Universities: #39 (2016) → #33 (2025) ↑ 6 spots
UC San Diego Overview
University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA with 44,050 students. The 24.5% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Multidisciplinary, and Social Sciences.
| Full Name | University of California-San Diego |
| Location | La Jolla, CA 92093 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucsd.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 44,050 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 34,808 |
| Female Students | 52.2% |
International Students at UC San Diego: By the Numbers
Cost of Attending UC San Diego as an International Student
International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.
| Room & Board | $17,198/yr |
| Estimated 4-Year Total | $68,792 |
How to Apply to UC San Diego as an International Student
UC San Diego Student Body Diversity
Diversity breakdown of UC San Diego's undergraduate student body.
UC San Diego Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UC San Diego Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $93,750 | $75,000 | +25% |
| Engineering | — | $90,000 | $72,000 | +25% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $77,500 | $62,000 | +25% |
| Business | — | $68,750 | $55,000 | +25% |
| Health Professions | — | $65,000 | $52,000 | +25% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $60,000 | $48,000 | +25% |
| Architecture | — | $60,000 | $48,000 | +25% |
| Social Sciences | — | $56,250 | $45,000 | +25% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $52,500 | $42,000 | +25% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $52,500 | $42,000 | +25% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| History | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| Education | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Psychology | — | $45,000 | $36,000 | +25% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $45,000 | $36,000 | +25% |
| Family & Consumer Sciences | — | $43,750 | $35,000 | +25% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $42,500 | $34,000 | +25% |
Popular Majors at UC San Diego
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC San Diego
UCSD is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
What UC San Diego Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Important |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
UC San Diego Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC San Diego UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC San Diego
More About UC San Diego
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC San Diego is not affiliated with DeepColleges.