

University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
1200 acre campus
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University of California - San Diego Campus Ranking 2026
The quality of the STEM Courses and its world-class research facilities are not the only reasons behind the university's popularity among Indian students. The university also ranks well on both national and global levels, with UC San Diego Ranking being #18 in the US and #33 in the world, per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
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Commonly asked questions On Rankings
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.
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.
The University of California San Diego ranking for MS in CS programme is impressive as it ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. According to Times Higher Education ranking 2023, the UCSD PG computer Science ranking is 33. The below table includes the UC San Diego MS in CS ranking in past few years:
Ranked By | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science | 37 | 33 | 33 |
US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG | 14 | 14 | 13 |
Check the list of Top 20 Universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science 2023
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.
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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
There are 12 divisions and schools at UCSD. This university offers 140+ UG majors. A number of graduate programs are offered by UCSD through various schools such as School of Arts & Humanities; Rady School of Management; School of Social Sciences; School of Arts & Humanities, etc. Among international students, the popular courses of this university are MSc in CS, MSc in Data Science, MBA, etc.
University of California - San Diego Campus Admission 2026
Indian applicants can apply for University of California - San Diego Campus admissions on the university's Official Application Portal. Regarding admission rarities, the university offers admission to students based on the eligibility criteria for the course of choice. To gain admission, all overseas applicants must fulfil the University of California - San Diego Campus eligibility criteria, which include academic transcripts, GPA requirements, results on standardized and aptitude tests, SOP, LOR, Essay and CV. Additionally, students must provide their results from entrance/English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, PTE, Duolingo and GMAT.
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for UC San Diego MBA application deadlines:
| Rounds | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| 2 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| 2 | Apr 1, 2026 |
- Application fees :USD 125 - 200
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
UC San Diego application fee for international graduate applications is USD 155 (Around INR 13k). There is an application fee for undergraduate applicants as well. The documents that have to be submitted along with the application are academic transcripts, statement of purpose, English language proficiency score, etc.
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.
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
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.
UC San Diego Popular Courses
UC San DiegoStudents Ratings & Reviews
- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
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
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% |
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.
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.
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 (BCG), Japan
- AGS
- Morgan Stanley
- Kearney (Japan)
- Engage Stack LLC
- YPOG
- EY-Parthenon
The placement rate of UCSD graduates was 72% (within 3 months of graduation). Top industries where the graduates were employed include Consulting, Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology, Manufacturing, Non-Profit / Education, etc.
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
UC San DiegoStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.University of California San Diego FAQs
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.
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
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
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, 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
Answered 2 months ago
According to an unofficial source, the University of California San Diego acceptance rate is 27%. The low percentage show that the university is tough to enter. The university offers popular programs and ranked under top 20 popular research university that makes it hard to get into.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 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
Answered 9 months ago
Both these institutions fall under the institutional umbrella of the University of California, despite this, both institutions are selective to varying degrees. The University of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of around 76.4% while that of UCSD is around 25%.
Thus, securing a seat at UC
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 months ago
The University of California Riverside and the University of California San Diego are some of the most esteemed universities in USA. Each university has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a university student must check factors such as location, fees, average salary, placement, and
P
Contributor-Level 10
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