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Government-Verified Education Data
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University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, California · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$65,669

Acceptance Rate

25%

Graduation Rate

88%

Annual Tuition

$15,265

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of California-San Diego earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry — 57% above the national median. Acceptance rate 24.5%, in-state tuition $15,265.

At a Glance

Total Students

33,787

Retention Rate

94%

Faculty Ratio

19

Financial Aid

24%

Median Debt

$15,500

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

The University of California-San Diego is a large public university with an acceptance rate of 24.5%. The university has a student body of 33,787. The institution has a high retention rate of 93.9% and an 87.7% graduation rate. The in-state tuition is $15,265.

Graduates experience strong earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $44,612. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $65,669, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $84,943. The median debt for graduates is $15,500, and 24.1% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$45k

1 YEAR

$66k

5 YEARS

$85k

10 YEARS

Top 9% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, University of California-San Diego alumni earn $44,612. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $65,669, and after ten years, earnings reach $84,943. The median debt for graduates is $15,500, and 24.1% of students receive financial aid.

The university has a high retention rate of 93.9% and an 87.7% graduation rate. The acceptance rate is 24.5%, and the total student population is 33,787. In-state tuition costs $15,265.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Cognitive Science

Graduates 641 / yr
Median Salary $39,839

International/Global Studies

Graduates 631 / yr
Median Salary $45,168

Biology, General

Graduates 500 / yr
Median Salary $80,294

Economics

Graduates 438 / yr
Median Salary $51,192

Political Science and Government

Graduates 404 / yr
Median Salary $33,345

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Graduates 389 / yr
Median Salary $45,066

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Graduates 375 / yr
Median Salary $111,009

Chemistry

Graduates 370 / yr
Median Salary $93,148

Mathematics and Computer Science

Graduates 306 / yr
Median Salary $89,651

Applied Mathematics

Graduates 297 / yr
Median Salary $42,859

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 295 / yr
Median Salary $60,973

Public Health

Graduates 278 / yr
Median Salary $39,144

Mathematics

Graduates 273 / yr
Median Salary $52,339

Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Graduates 263 / yr
Median Salary $100,166

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 260 / yr
Median Salary $112,996

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 244 / yr
Median Salary $33,046

Psychology, General

Graduates 200 / yr
Median Salary $29,144

Computer Engineering

Graduates 198 / yr
Median Salary $96,256

Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Graduates 196 / yr
Median Salary $32,081

Civil Engineering

Graduates 175 / yr
Median Salary $89,543

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

Graduates 158 / yr
Median Salary $50,266

Engineering, Other

Graduates 139 / yr
Median Salary $142,225

Chemical Engineering

Graduates 135 / yr
Median Salary $59,508

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Graduates 133 / yr
Median Salary $26,953

Compare Similar Institutions

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Colorado State University Global

Earnings $65,131
Tuition $8,400
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University of San Diego

Earnings $64,995
Tuition $56,444
Acceptance 47%
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Campus Location

La Jolla, California

La Jolla, CA 92093

University of California-San Diego is located in La Jolla, California. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 24.5%.