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University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
1200 acre campus- Estd. 1960
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From Aug 1, 2025, UC San Diego applications will open for UG students for the next Fall. Check the University of California San Diego Campus Reviews from here.
About University of California San Diego
Founded in 1960, the University of California San Diego is a public institution that is located in La Jolla. The main campus of UCSD is located near the Pacific Ocean on around 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in La Jolla, California. The ranking of the university in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities is #29. This university is considered a Public Ivy. Additionally, this university is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities.
UCSD acceptance rate is around 25%. This means that this university is very selective at the time of admission. According to the statistics, the University of California San Diego student enrollment is 45,000+. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1. This university offers 200+ courses at the UG and PG level. Top 5 UG majors of this university are Biology, Psychology, Economics, Mathematics, and Cognitive Science. In total, there are 12 academic divisions and schools of this university. As per Forbes 2024 List of America’s Top Colleges, UC San Diego ranks at 3rd among the US top public colleges. On top of this, Washington Monthly named this university the ninth-best public university in the US for contributions to social mobility, research, and public service in 2024. The university has earned 5 stars in Money’s Best Colleges in America 2024. Furthermore, according to the Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges 2024, the university is placed 6th among the nation’s top public for students seeking an outstanding education at an affordable price.
Things to Know about UC San Diego
A few of the important things about UC San Diego are given below:
| Particulars | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
| Private or Public | Public |
| Location | La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA |
| GPA requirements | Minimum 3.0 |
| Total academic divisions | 12 |
| Recognized as | One of the Top Science Universities in the US | 5-star college in Money Magazine's 2024 Best Colleges in America list | Top 20 research universities worldwide |
| Popular Majors | Psychology, Biology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science |
| Newspaper | The UCSD Guardian |
| Total no. of students | 45,000+ |
History
Though UC San Diego was founded in 1960, the university enrolled its first undergraduates in the year 1964. However, the university traces back its origins to the late 1800s. In the year 1978, the university’s first Biotechnology company, Hybritech, was co-founded by two of the university’s faculty members. At present, more than 1,000 companies use or have used technology created at the university. In 1995, there was the inception of the Cross-Cultural Center, which is the university’s first space work dedicated to work in equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Learn more about University of California, San Diego Highlights in the below videos:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The University of California San Diego MS in CS programme is designed to address a variety of post-graduate educational needs. The duration of the programme is 1.5 - 2 years (Full Time) for international students. The University of California San Diego cost for MS in CS is INR 22.2 L for first year, which is low as compared to other MS Universities in the USA.
Also check,
According to Forbes’s 2025 America’s Top Colleges List, UC San Diego continues to stand out as one of the nation’s leading institutions, securing its position as the No. 3 top public university in the country. Also, this university has retained its overall ranking as No. 21 in Forbes’ annual list, that showcases 500 private and public school that ‘produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less-student debt”. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities, UC San Diego ranks as No. 18 in its list of the top universities in the world. In the rankings by another top ranking publisher, this university ranks at #21 in the 2024-25 rankings.
For UC San Diego MS in CS admission, international students are not required to submit their GRE score. Applicants may still submit valid scores if they have already taken the test.
Read more about the Average GRE Scores for MS in Computer Science from US Universities
University of California - San Diego Campus Ranking 2025
University of California - San Diego Campus is frequently recognized for its academics and global reputation. The university was ranked #20 at national level as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025.
University of California - San Diego Campus's specialized courses such as #26 and #62 have been ranked MIM and BBA nationally, respectively.
Apart from this, QS also ranked the university at #72 in 2025.
#33
#18
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of California San Diego ranking is among the top 100 universities in the world as per a top-ranking publisher in 2025. In 2024, as per another ranking publisher, the university ranks within the category of Top 100 Universities in the World. In the QS rankings, this university ranks at #66 position in 2026 and #72 in 2025. As per Times Higher Education rankings 2025, this university ranks at #34 position.
According to a top-ranking publisher, UC San Diego ranks at #29 position in 2025 in the national universities category. In the year 2024, the university was placed at the #28 position. This shows that there has been a slight decline in the university's ranking in this year. This shows that this university ranks among the Top 30 Universities in the U.S. in 2025.
Once again the University of San Diego has strengthened its reputation as a global academic institution, rising one spot to No. 3 among public U.S. Universities in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Also, the university advanced to No. 14 among the public colleges overall and No. 18 in the world in the annual list. This ranking is a testament to the university's groundbreaking research, transformative, innovation, and world-class education. Furthermore, UC San Diego has recently been named as the No. 3 public university in the nation by Forbes in the 2025 America's Top Colleges list. In the world rankings released by Times Higher Education, UC San Diego ranks at #34 in 2025.
University of California San Diego Programs
The University of California San Diego offers 140+ UG majors. Also, several graduate programs are offered by this university through its various schools such as the School of Arts & Humanities; Rady School of Management; School of Social Sciences; School of Arts & Humanities, etc. The top UG majors at this university are Psychology; Biology; Economics; Mathematics and Cognitive Science. Among Indian students, UCSD popular courses among Indian students are MSc in CS, MSc in Data Science, and MBA. Some of the courses studied by UC San Diego alumni are Economics; Computer Science; Psychology; Biology; Computational Science; Biochemistry; Political Science and Government, etc.
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
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13.6K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Admissions to the Computer Science Engineering course of University of California San Diego is selective. The department received over 6,000 applications. For the Fall term, 877 students registered. The university seeks applicants with a strong academic background in Computer Science and Engineering and / or related field and a demonstrated potential for success in Graduate schools. Each component of the application is reviewed by the Admission Committee. To be considered for UCSD admission, make sure to meet the entry requirements. A Bachelor's degree in CS, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics is preferred. A GPA of 3.0 is required. GRE score is not required.
According to the statistics of UCSD, the top 5 majors at the UG level are Biology, Psychology, Mathematics, Economics, and Cognitive Science. According to the student population, the most popular UG study field is Social Sciences. Some of the popular study fields are given below:
- Engineering
- Biology
- Arts and Humanities
- Physical Sciences
Yes, UC San Diego MS-BA course is STEM-designated. This course features an AI-assisted curriculum that incorporates Large Language Models (LLMs) in every face of the Business Analytics process, from problem definition, to coding, data cleaning, analysis, and presentation. The duration of this course is 11-months. To take admission to this course, the applicants are required to have an Undergraduate degree in the relevant discipline or relent work experience + a strong quantitative foundation, a curiosity about data and how it can solve data problems, and familiarity with the use of Quantitative information in the workplace. Documents required to apply to this course are:
- Application form with the application fee
- Academic transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Quantitative background
- Two recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- GMAT / GRE scores
- English language proficiency scores
University of California San Diego Admissions 2025
The University of California San Diego applicants can apply via the university portal. A general admission process is given below:
Application Deadlines
For graduate courses, the UCSD application deadline may vary. However, the deadlines for UG applicants are given below:
|
Particulars |
Application Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Application opens |
Oct 1, 2024 |
|
Application deadline |
Dec 2, 2024 |
Admission Requirements for International Students
To take admission to UCSD, the UG applicants should have completed their secondary education. Indian applicants must have completed their 12 years of education. For graduate courses, the applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and for some courses, GMAT or GRE score may be required such as MBA course. For admission to MSc in CS course, a Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline is required. A GPa of 3.0 is required. GRE score is also required.
Acceptance Rate
The University of California San Diego acceptance rate is between 25% - 27%. Looking at the acceptance rate, it can be said that the university is quite selective at the time of admission.
Application Fee
UCSD application fee for graduate USD 155 for graduate applicants.
Eligibility
Given below are the general requirements that international students have to meet to take admission to UCSD:
UG Entry Requirements
- Complete secondary education equivalent to US High School Diploma
- Meet the English Language Proficiency requirements i.e.:
- The minimum TOEFL (iBT) score is 83 and the minimum TOEFL (Paper Based) score is 550
- Minimum IELTS score of 7
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115
PG Entry Requirements
- Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited international university
- Submit GRE score (if required)
- Submit GMAT score (if needed)
- English Language Proficiency test score of any of the following tests i.e. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE
Also check, the UC San Diego Admission Details
- Application fees :USD 125 - 200
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
To be eligible for UG courses, international applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or better, with no lower grade than C. Even for PG courses, the applicants are required to have a minimum of 3.0. The general requirements at this university would require students to have a Class 12 education to get into UG courses. For admission to PG courses, the applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree as a pre-requisite.
Yes, for admission to a few graduate courses at the University of California San Diego, the applicants are required to submit a GRE or GMAT score. An example of this clause is the MBA. Apart from the GRE score, the applicants who want to take admission to this university’s graduate courses are:
- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency score
- Other documents such as CV, Personal Statement, LORs
For undergraduate admissions, UC San Diego releases admission decisions almost 4 months after the application deadline. In the case of graduate courses, the admission decisions releasing process varies by department. The applications are released throughout the year. The application status page will be updated as soon as the decisions are released.
UC San DiegoUniversity of California San Diego Scholarships
Freshmen international students of the University of California San Diego are eligible to receive the merit-based scholarships. To avail for these scholarships, the applicants are required to fill out the specific scholarship form. The details of these scholarships for freshmen students are given below:
UCSD Regent’s Scholarship is based on academic excellence. The first-year Regents Scholars receive a USD 20,000 scholarship paid at USD 5,000 per year in each of their 4 UG years. All graduates of the UCSD campus are also eligible for the Rady-Funded UC Fellowship (School of Management) in the amount of USD 10,000. The Foster MBA Fellowship is for students who have shown commitment to the region and their industry through contributions to the organization and the potential to make an impact. Every UG merit-based scholarship has different criteria, so it is advised to check the official website.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
The University of California San Diego scholarships are offered to first-year international students based on their merit. Every year, many international students get scholarships at UCSD based on their eligibility. The table below includes some of the popular scholarships for students:
Scholarships | Award Amount and Term |
|---|---|
Chancellor's Scholarships for Entering First-Year | Up to USD 5,000 (INR 4.2 L) per year in each of their 4 undergraduate years |
Regents Scholarships for Entering First-Year | Up to USD 20,000 (INR 16.6 L) plus special privileges |
Ellen and Roger Revelle Scholarship (merit-based) | A 4-year award up to USD 10,000 (8.3 L) |
Clayton H. Brace Scholarship | A 1-year award up to USD 1,000 (INR 83k) |
Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Scholarship | Up to USD 5,000 (INR 4.2 L) per year |
Ray and Betty Ramseyer Scholarship | A 4-year award up to USD 20,000 (INR 16.6 L) |
Read more about the Scholarships to Study in the USA
The University of California San Diego Regent’s Scholarship is offered to UG students. The first-year Regents Scholars receive a USD 2,000 scholarship paid at USD 5,000 per year. This is for students who have shown academic excellence. To avail this scholarship, the applicants are required to fill out the scholarship application.
International first-year students can follow the below steps to apply for University of California San Diego scholarships:
Step 1: File your UC Application for Admissions and Scholarships by the deadline
Step 2: For financial need scholarships, file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Step 3: As per the information provided in Step 1 and Step 2, you will we eligible for UC San Diego scholarships for which you qualify
Step 4: UC San Diego will notify you of any scholarship awards by March 30, you can check your application using the portal
18 months
University of California San Diego Placements
The 2024 Full-Time MBA Employment Report shows that 72% of MBA students received job offers within three months of graduation.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
Here are some of the industries where the MBA graduates of UCSD have been hired.
|
Employment by Industry |
|
|---|---|
|
Industry |
% |
|
Consulting |
22.2% |
|
Healthcare |
22.2% |
|
Financial Services |
16.7% |
|
Technology |
11.1% |
|
Non-Profit / Education |
11.1% |
ROI after Education from UC San Diego
The average base salary of UC San Diego is USD 90,000 (Around INR 77 lakh). On the other hand, the tuition fee at UCSD ranges between INR 22.5 L to INR 67.6 L. This means studying at this university would be a great investment. For the MBA graduates, the average salary is USD 116,430 (Around 99 lakh) and the tuition fee for an MBA is around INR 47 L.
Top Employers
The top employers for UCSD MBA graduates are:
- AGS
- Boston Consulting Group, Japan
- Kearney Japan
- YPOG
- EY-Parthenon
Download theUC San Diego MBA placement report 2024
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The average salary for UC San Diego graduates is USD 93,000 per year (Around INR 80 lakh). A few of the job titles on which the graduates are employed are Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, etc. The average salary as per the job titles is given below:
Job Titles | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Software Engineer | USD 112,757 |
Mechanical Engineer | USD 92,186 |
Data Scientist | USD 111,425 |
Senior Software Engineer | USD 156,297 |
Data Analyst | USD 74,363 |
Popular employers of this university’s graduates are Northrop Grumman Corporation, Intel Corporation, Raytheon Co., Johnson & Johnson, etc.
Some of the industries where UC San Diego MBA alumni work are:
Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|
Industry | % |
Consulting | 22.2% |
Healthcare | 22.2% |
Financial Services | 16.7% |
Technology | 11.1% |
Non-Profit / Education | 11.1% |
For the MBA Class of 2024 graduates, the University of San Diego graduates have an average salary of USD 116,430 (Around INR 99 lakh). A total of 72% received offers within 3 months of graduation. The industries where the graduates are included are Consulting, Healthcare, technology, Financial Services, etc. A few of the job functions on which the MBA graduates of this university are employed are Finance / Accounting, Consulting, Marketing / Sales, Operations / Logistics, etc.
University of California San Diego Cost
The University of California San Diego tuition fee ranges between INR 22.5 L and INR 67 L. The course-level wise fee is given below:
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG |
INR 27.93 L - 46.19 L
|
| PG |
INR 21.44 L - 67.63 L
|
Living Expenses: As per the data for UCSD academic year 2025-26, the living expenses for UG students are given below:
|
Particulars |
Expenses (On-Campus) |
|---|---|
|
Food & housing without dependents |
USD 19,629 (Around INR 16.7 L) |
|
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment |
USD 1,365 (Around INR 1.16 L) |
|
Personal expenses |
USD 2,364 (Around INR 2 L) |
|
Transportation |
USD 1,047 (Around INR 89k) |
For Coast Apartments at UCSD, the 2024-25 range between USD 1,308 - USD 1,962.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(45 courses) | INR 24 L - 70 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 85 - 107, GRE, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(8 courses) | INR 31 L - 70 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, GMAT: 600 & Above, GRE, TOEFL: 85 - 107 |
B.E. / B.Tech(34 courses) | INR 29 L - 47 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT |
B.Sc.(62 courses) | INR 29 L - 48 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT |
B.A.(65 courses) | INR 41 L - 48 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT |
BBA(8 courses) | INR 29 L - 47 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT |
MFA(8 courses) | INR 26 L - 29 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 85 & Above |
M.A.(7 courses) | INR 22 L - 43 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
B.Ed(1 course) | INR 41 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
B.Arch(2 courses) | INR 41 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The tuition fee at UCSD ranges between INR 22.5 L to INR 67 L. The course-wise tuition fee can be checked from the table given below:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS 46 courses) | INR 23 L - 67 L |
MBA/PGDM (8 courses) | INR 30 L - 67 L |
MA(7 courses) | INR 28 L - 41 L |
BSc (62 courses) | INR 28 L - 46 L |
BA (65 courses) | INR 39 L - 46 L |
BE/ BTech (34 courses) | INR 28 L - 39 L |
BBA (8 courses) | INR 28 L - 39 L |
MFA (8 courses) | INR 25 L - 28 L |
M.Arch (1 course) | INR 25 L |
B.Ed (1 course) | INR 39 L |
Executive MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 51 L |
MEng (1 course) | INR 25 L |
Expenses: As per the data for UCSD Fall 2024, the living expenses for UG students are given below:
Particulars | Expenses (On-Campus) |
|---|---|
Food & housing without dependents | USD 19,629 (Around INR 16.7 L) |
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment | USD 1,365 (Around INR 1.16 L) |
Personal expenses | USD 2,364 (Around INR 2 L) |
Transportation | USD 1,047 (Around INR 89k) |
The total University of California San Diego for Non-California residents is USD 73,000 (Around INR 62.3 lakh). The fees for on-campus students are:
Particulars | Fees |
|---|---|
Tuition and fees | Around USD 21,375 |
Food & housing | USD 30,264 |
Books, course materials, supplies, & equipment | USD 696 |
Misc. personal expenses | USD 2,460 |
Transportation expenses | USD 3,813 |
The table below includes the cost of living in the USA for international students at the University of California San Diego:
Cost of Attendance | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
Food & Housing | USD 17,325 | USD 15,567 |
Books, Course material, etc. | USD 1,308 | |
Personal expenses | USD 1,620 | USD 1,791 |
Transportation expenses | USD 858 | USD 1,500 |
Estimated total cost | USD 21,111 (INR 17.5 L) | USD 20,166 (INR 16.8 L) |
(USD 1 = INR 83.09)
Read more about the Cost of Living in the USA for International Students
University of California San Diego Student Enrollment
UC San Diego acceptance rate is 25% for Fall 2024. The enrollment statistics over the years are given below:
| Year | Student Applied | Students Admitted | Admit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 134455 | 35989 | Around 25% |
| 2023-24 | 130,845 | 32,403 | 24.76% |
| 2022-23 | 100,073 | 38,325 | 38.30% |
Others
40%
Asian
33%
Hispanic
23%
Black
1%
In state
81%
Foreign
11%
Out of state
7%
24 and under
95%
25 and over
4%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
University of California San Diego Notable Alumni
UCSD has 245,000 alumni worldwide. Some of the famous personalities who have passed out from this university are Nathan East, J. Craig Venter, Kate Rubins, Nick Woodman, etc. The designation of the UCSD popular alumni can be checked from the table given below:
|
Names |
Designation |
Images |
|---|---|---|
|
Nathan East |
Most recorded bassists in history |
 |
|
DJ Patil |
First Chief Data Scientist of the White House |
 |
|
J. Craig Venter |
National Medal of Science honoree and one of the first to sequence the human genome |
 |
|
Kate Rubins |
NASA Astronaut and the first scientist to sequence DNA in space |
 |
|
Mike Judge |
TV and Film Writer and Director |
 |
|
Milana Vayntrub |
Actress, Producer, Writer and Humanitarian |
 |
|
Kim Stanley Robinson |
American Science Fiction Writer |
 |
|
Khaled Hosseini |
Novelist and Physician (Known for his book The Kite Runner) |
 |
|
Nick Woodman |
Founded and CEO of GoPro |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
The names of the people who studied at UCSD are Nick Woodman, Khaled Hosseini, Geoff Abrams, Ricardo Chavira, etc. Below is the list of the other notable people who studied at the university:
Names | Designation |
|---|---|
Nathan East | Most recorded bassists in history |
DJ Patil | First Chief Data Scientist of the White House |
J. Craig Venter | National Medal of Science honoree and one of the first to sequence the human genome |
Kate Rubins | NASA Astronaut and the first scientist to sequence DNA in space |
Mike Judge | TV and Film Writer and Director |
Milana Vayntrub | Actress, Producer, Writer and Humanitarian |
Kim Stanley Robinson | American Science Fiction Writer |
Khaled Hosseini | Novelist and Physician (Known for his book The Kite Runner) |
Nick Woodman | Founded and CEO of GoPro |
University of California San Diego Vs ASU Vs UCLA
Out of the 3 universities namely UC San Diego, UCLA, ASU, it is difficult to take admission to UCLA as its acceptance rate is around 9%. UCSD acceptance rate is 25% and ASU's acceptance rate is around 90%. But, to study at either of these universities depends on students' choice and a few factors may be responsible for this such as tuition fee, quality of faculty, scholarship availability, etc. A comparison of similar universities to UCSD is given below:
| Particulars | UC San Diego | UCLA | ASU |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of courses offered | 200+ | 200+ | 800+ |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #72 | #42 | #200 |
| Annual tuition fees | Around INR 23 L- INR 67 L | Around INR INR 20 L - INR 65.4 L | Around INR 7 L - INR 57.3 L |
Compare UC San Diego with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 23.78 L - 69.99 L | #29 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 26.29 L - 96.12 L | #28 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 20.52 L - 65.35 L | #42 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 9.37 L - 82.59 L | #20 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.55 L - 64.45 L | #17 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.55 L - 66.35 L | #293 QS, 2026 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
As per a few unofficial sources, UCLA ranks better in areas like English, Biology and Psychology. But, for the STEM disciplines, especially Engineering and Computer Science, UC San Diego has a great reputation. Also, note that the research opportunities are in abundance at both universities. Furthermore, the social environment at both universities reflects their locations. UC San Diego's sports, vibrant on-campus organizations, and proximity to the beach offer a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. On the other hand, UCLA's student life tends to be more event-driven because of its LA location and dynamic sports teams. Considering the acceptance rate of both universities, it can be said UCLA is more competitive. UC San Diego acceptance rate is around 25%, whereas, that of UCLA is just 9%.
When comparing UC San Diego with UC Berkeley, the final choice will be dependent on students. A few of the factors that may be responsible for the choice are location, tuition fees, career goals, scholarship availability etc. A comparison between these two universities is given below:
Particulars | UC Berkeley | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance rate | 11% | Around 25% |
QS Rankings 2026 | #17 | #66 |
Annual tuition fees | INR 22.42 L - 73.42 L | INR 21.44 L - 67.63 L |
Popular courses | MS, MBA, MEng | MSc in CS, MSc in Data Science, and MBA |
Considering the acceptance rate and QS rankings, it can be said that UC Berkeley is more selective as compared to UC San Diego.
UC San DiegoStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
University of California San Diego Campus
The University of California San Diego is just a short trolley ride away from downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and other city hotspots. There are over 60 fraternities, sororities, and cultural-based Greek student organizations. The campus features 10 athletic venues, including a 5,000-seat arena and a state-of-the-art athletic training center. The main campus of UCSD is located near the Pacific Ocean on around 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in LA Jolla, California. Check details about the University of California San Diego Campus from here.
Athletics
The athletics teams of UC San Diego compete at the NCAA Division I level, with the exception of Men’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Water Polo, and Men’s and Women’s fencing programs that compete at the NCAA ‘National Collegiate’ level. The UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program is now a member of the Big West Conference in the NCAA Division I. Some of the recreation facilities at the university are:
- Aquatics
- 30+ Intramural sports
- Rec classes
- Sports clubs
- Nutrition workshops, demos, and counselling
On-campus sports facilities include LionTree Arena, Swimming pools, Multiple gyms / workout spaces, playing fields, track and field complex, tennis/ handball courts, etc.
Commonly asked questions On Others
UC San Diego became a member of the Big West Conference in NCAA Division I in 2020. There are 23 sports team at the university, 12 men’s and 11 women’s competitive sports team. The university’s scholar-athletes earn degrees at a 90% graduation rate, the highest-rated public institution among all NCAA Division I and II. In total, 30 NCAA national team championships earned.
Life at UC San Diego is about activating your passions. There are 500+ student organizations at the university. A few of the categories of the student organizations are academic, cultural, media, political, spiritual, social, etc. A number of on-campus sports facilities are offered by UC San Diego such as:
- Swimming pools
- Multiple gyms / workout spaces
- Track and field complex
- Tennis / handball courts
- Conference rooms
In case of the recreation, a number of facilities are offered via aquatics, intramural sports, rec classes, sports clubs, wellness services (personal training, free student fitness programs and more).
University of California San Diego FAQs
Students starting their first semester at UC San Diego must try to follow the below-given pointers:
- Attend every class and take notes
- Get involved with at least some of the non-studying activities such as extracurriculars, sports clubs or interest groups, etc.
- Try to live on campus
- Utilize the student resources such as Library and Health Center
The admission requirements for the UCSD Master of Finance program are given below:
- An undergraduate degree in Finance / Economics / Computer Science / Engineering / Mathematics / Physics or Statistics is required. Other majors are also considered
- Post-university work, research experience or internships in a Quantitative discipline is also considered
- An official GMAT / GRE score
- Application materials like academic transcripts, two recommendations, statement of purpose, resume or CV, etc.
UC San Diego is a highly competitive university. It is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the US. When it comes to admission, the University of California San Diego acceptance rate is between 25% - 27%. The acceptance rate justifies that it is a fairly competitive university to get into. A large number of highly qualified students apply to this university, and the university follows a holistic admission process to grant admission. In short, every application, including the personal insight questions is thoroughly reviewed. The factors considered for granting admission are:
- Academic performance
- Performance in standardized tests
- Personal qualities
- Creative, Intellectual, Social or Professional Achievement
- Handling of challenges, Hardships, Unusual circumstances
Yes, the GRE General Test is required for admission to UC San Diego MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A bachelor's or MS degree in Physical Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematics from an accredited university or college is required. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Here are the other application requirements:
- TOEFL with a score of 85 on iBT / IELTS with a score of 7
- Statement of Purpose
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume / CV
- Application fee
UC San Diego has risen to the No. 6 public university in the Princeton Review's Best Value Colleges 2024 for students seeking stellar academics and a great career foundation at an affordable cost. As per the university's Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, the university ensures affordable, high-quality education and empowers students from diverse backgrounds to acquire the skills and knowledge important to thrive in the future workforce and make a positive impact on society. UCSD is consistently recognised as a leader in providing excellent education at an affordable cost. The university earned a spot in Money Magazine's list of 'Best Colleges in America' for 2024, receiving a top 5-star rating.
To take admission to UCSD MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering course, the applicants are required to have a BS/MS degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or Mathematics from an accredited university. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Other admission requirements are given below:
- GRE test, not required (recommended)
- English language proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS / PTE)
- Statement of Purpose
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Scanned unofficial transcripts
- Resume / CV
Yes, UC San Diego is a Tier 1 university. This university has received a status of R1: Very High Research Activity. It is basically a leader in research and USD 1.73 billion sponsored research funding was there for FY24. Also, this university was ranked at 9th position in the world for the most highly cited / most influential researchers, according to Clarivate. Additionally, the university's research programme generated 400 new invention disclosures and over 90 new U.S. patents.
To get into the University of California San Diego from India, the applicants are required to have passed high school. For the first-year applicants, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The acceptance rate for Fall 2024 is 25%. This acceptance rate justifies that the university is very selective at the time of admission. Indian applicants at the UG level must have passed Class 10 and 12 board / state examinations. At the graduate level, the applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Additionally, at the PG level, standardized test scores may also be required. Also, submit an English language proficiency score.
UC San Diego
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 months ago
UCSD offers various career services such as dedicated career coaches, customized workshops and programs, career website with curates resources and content, access to Rady alumni and employers. The top employers of UC San Diego MBA Class of 2024 graduates were:
- Analog Devices
- Boston Consulting Group (B
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
With an acceptance rate of 26.7% for the class of 2028, the University of California San Diego is a relatively difficult university to enter. However, with a well-rounded profile and a good academic background, students can improve their chances of admission at UCSD
UC San Diego has a GPA requiremen
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
University of California San Diego acceptance rate for international students stands at 22.4%, implying relatively tough competition for all international aspirants. It houses 3,891 international students as of 2025, welcoming several students from varying ethnic and racial backgrounds.
UCSD accep
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
There are many reasons which inspire Indian students to study at University of California, San Diego. Here are few of them:
1) Strong Academic Record: It is ranked as a top university in US among all Universities and globally renowed for computer science, engineering, and biotechnology.
2) Job Opportu
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
You will have a better campus life at University of California, San Diego because of the following reasons:
1) You will have more chances to interact with your professors, you can do long hours projects with them, can interact more with all professors for various job and internship opportunities.
2) Y
B
Contributor-Level 10
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