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California State University-Long Beach vs University of California-San Diego

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California State University-Long Beach

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University of California-San Diego

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric California State University-Long Beach University of California-San Diego Winner
Acceptance Rate 47% 25% University of California-San Diego
Graduation Rate 71% 88% University of California-San Diego
Avg Earnings (5yr) $50,062 $65,669 University of California-San Diego
Median Debt $14,289 $15,500 California State University-Long Beach
Tuition (In-State) $7,008 $15,265 California State University-Long Beach
Retention Rate 85% 94% University of California-San Diego
Financial Aid 24% 24% Tie

Comparison Analysis

University of California-San Diego graduates earn more, with an average salary of $65,669, compared to California State University-Long Beach, where graduates earn $50,062. UCSD also has a higher graduation rate of 87.7% than CSULB's 71.3%. However, CSULB has a higher acceptance rate of 47.1% compared to UCSD's 24.5%.

The tuition at UCSD is more than double that of CSULB, costing $15,265 versus $7,008. The higher earnings and graduation rate at UCSD suggest a stronger return on investment, despite the higher tuition.

Students prioritizing affordability and a higher chance of acceptance may favor CSULB. Students prioritizing higher earnings potential and a higher graduation rate may favor UCSD, despite the more selective admissions process and higher tuition.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major California State University-Long Beach Earnings University of California-San Diego Earnings Difference
Business Administration, Management and Operations $45,751 $98,870 116% favor University of California-San Diego
Business Administration, Management and Operations $45,751 $0
Psychology, General $27,511 $29,144 6% favor University of California-San Diego
International/Global Studies $31,589 $45,168 43% favor University of California-San Diego
Communication and Media Studies $34,172 $33,046 3% favor California State University-Long Beach
Political Science and Government $32,168 $33,345 4% favor University of California-San Diego
Biology, General $35,053 $34,504 2% favor California State University-Long Beach
Psychology, General $27,511 $0
Psychology, General $27,511 $0
Economics $38,475 $51,192 33% favor University of California-San Diego

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Long Beach, CA
Setting City
Students 34,131
Type Public
Location La Jolla, CA
Setting City
Students 33,787

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

California State University-Long Beach has median earnings of $50,062 and tuition of $7,008. University of California-San Diego has median earnings of $65,669 and tuition of $15,265. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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