About

About University of California-San Diego

public research universitystem focusedselective admissionscoastal california campusstrong biology programs

University of California-San Diego is a public research university in La Jolla, CA, known for its public research university, stem focused, and selective admissions. With an acceptance rate of 24%, UCSD is highly selective, typically enrolling around 6,546 students each year. UCSD is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. UCSD meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of California-San Diego acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

24%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of California-San Diego

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UCSD weighs essays heavily in their review, so use your Personal Insight Questions to name specific UCSD resources like the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, a particular college community such as Revelle or Muir, or a lab connected to your intended major. Generic answers about San Diego will not set you apart.
Application Strategy
UCSD's six undergraduate colleges each have distinct general education requirements and cultures, so research them carefully and select the one that genuinely aligns with your academic and personal interests. Admissions readers can tell when a student has actually thought through their college choice versus picking randomly.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of California-San Diego actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of California-San Diego has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of California-San Diego's sticker price of ~$66k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$66k/yr$15.2k
110k+~$66k/yr$28.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

88%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$66k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
34,529
Undergrad Enrollment
University of California-San Diego Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch