University of California - San Diego Campus
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University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#36 in World

#18 in USA

  • Institute Icon1200 acre campus
  • Estd. 1960
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 22 Nov '25

UC San Diego
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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

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All
Things to Know
Year of establishment
1960
University website
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Student website
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Campus size
1200 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 1 billion
Scholarships granted
19359
Scholarship amount granted
USD 402 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
4561
Faculty/Student ratio
19
Total criminal offences
819
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   Is the University of California San Diego good for MS in CS?
A: 

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,

Q:   Does UC San Diego require GRE for MS in CS?
A: 

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

Q:   How prestigious is UC San Diego?
A: 

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.

University of California - San Diego Campus Ranking 2026

#36

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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#18

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   Why is UCSD ranked so high?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is UCSD ranked for MS CS?
A: 

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 Campus Admission 2026

  • Application fees :USD 125 - 200
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What time does UC San Diego release decisions?
A: 

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.

Q:   How much is the application fee for UC San Diego for international students?
A: 

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.

UC San Diego
University of California San Diego Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
Q:   Does University of California San Diego give scholarships for international students?
A: 

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

Q:   What is the UCSD Regent's Scholarship?
A: 

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

MS
B.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
More

₹24.72 LGet Fee Details

₹24.71 LGet Fee Details

₹24.72 LGet Fee Details

₹33.36 LGet Fee Details

₹31.3 LGet Fee Details

View AllMS Courses

UC San Diego
Students Ratings & Reviews

3/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Stressful
Academically oriented
Internships3
Part time work1
Post study jobs3
Quality of faculty3
Student Life1
Value for money3
Public transportation4
Safety5
Indian Food5
Permanent Immigration2
D
Deepak Sridhar
MS in Signal and Image Processing - Batch of 2027
4.2
Good courses, faculty, research and career options make UCSD a top choice
Tips: Students should look at the cost of living and financial aid options before joining the campus as it is generally expensive to live around San Diego area. Students should clearly be prepared in choosing their track either industry or academic research and start preparing for it from day one. The courses require prior requisites and so students have to carefully look at the track they choose relevant to their interests and put in efforts to achieve their goals. Teaching assistantships are very competitive but might be available during the second year of your program. You'll have to do well on the courses and maintain good contact with the professor if you are looking to get one. Some students get TAs outside their department which is an option to consider. Courses are rigorous and the quarter system is fast-paced. So one has to adapt to this structure.
Likes (Safety): The college administration considers safety to be of utmost importance with annual safety reviews happening every year. Any safety is immediately published to make you aware of the incidents. The campus has security officers to report to even at night times. The area around campus is filled with student population, so there is no concern for safety.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Due to the H1B immigration system, permanent immigration system is convoluted although it might take longer than expected. There are no specifics to the university, this is general for all US universities. Given a chance I would immigrate to this country especially considering the state-the-art work done at many companies
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2027
3
The college has its pros and cons.
Tips: The college is academically oriented and the social life here is very less. The quarter system moves very fast and it is hard to learn something new given the very little time we get. Students barely get time to study or do things that will make them learn and implement something new, unless you hyper specialize in a particular area.
Likes (Safety): The area around the campus is pretty much safe with very few homeless people. There's public transport like shuttle buses from student housing and campus, but the frequency of that reduces after 6 and stops after 9 or 10 PM. It's safe to walk back to the graduate student housing in the night, although I haven't heard many bad experiences doing so, it's still advisable not to walk back alone in the night and have at least another person with you.
Dislikes (Student Life): The college is not very socially active and there are barely any student gatherings or meet-ups, so it's socially dead and it's not like other colleges in the East Coast, where students get time to party and chill. This is a pretty rigorous and fast paced college, so student life takes a hit.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025Read more
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University of California San Diego Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   What are the industries where MBA graduates of UC San Diego work?
A: 

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%

Q:   What is the average salary offered to MBA graduate of UC San Diego?
A: 

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.

Q:   Who are the top employers for UC San Diego MBA graduates?
A: 

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 Cost

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(45 courses)
INR 24 L - 70 LGet Fee Details
Duration9 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 85 - 107, GRE, GMAT
B.Sc.(62 courses)
INR 29 L - 48 LGet Fee Details
Duration4-5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT
MBA/PGDM(8 courses)
INR 31 L - 70 LGet Fee Details
Duration9 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 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
Duration4-5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT
BBA(8 courses)
INR 29 L - 47 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT
B.A.(65 courses)
INR 41 L - 48 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, TOEFL: 83 & Above, SAT
MFA(8 courses)
INR 26 L - 29 LGet Fee Details
Duration18 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 85 & Above
MEng(1 course)
Duration1 year
Exam AcceptedGRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo
M.A.(7 courses)
INR 22 L - 43 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 90 & Above
B.Arch(2 courses)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   How much is the UC San Diego tuition fee for Graduate students?
A: 

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

 

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into the University of California San Diego?
A: 

International students who wish to study at the University of California San Diego must have at least score of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. for graduate admission. For undergraduate admission, students must have must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than a "C." The UCSD GPA requirements vary by programme and applicants have to meet it to get admission to the university. 

Check What is Grade Point Average (GPA) and how it affects your admissions to the US Universities?

Q:   What are the requirement for the University of California San Diego admissions?
A: 

The University of California San Diego requirements for international students vary by programme in which applicants apply. Entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission is different and students can check it below:

Undergraduate Requirements

·      Standard XII years of education

·      A GPA of 3.4 on a scale of 4.0

·     English language requirements

·      ACT/Resume/CV

Graduate Requirements

·      A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

·      English Proficiency exams

·      Letters of Recommendation

·      SOP

·      Resume/CV

·      Writing Sample







University of California San Diego Student Enrollment

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

40%

Asian

33%

Hispanic

23%

Black

1%

UG Student residence

In state

81%

Foreign

11%

Out of state

7%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

95%

25 and over

4%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

131197
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

88
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

33096
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

8910

University of California San Diego Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni
Q:   Which famous people went to the University of California San Diego?
A: 

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

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Compare UC San Diego with other similar colleges

MS
B.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
BBA
B.A.
MFA
MEng
M.A.
B.Arch
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 23.78 L - 69.94 L#29 US News, 2026
INR 26.29 L - 96.12 L#28 US News, 2026
INR 20.52 L - 65.35 L#25 THE, 2026
INR 9.36 L - 82.53 L#20 US News, 2026
INR 23.54 L - 64.4 L#17 US News, 2026
INR 23.55 L - 66.35 L#97 THE, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons
Q:   Is UC San Diego better than UCLA?
A: 

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%.

UC San Diego
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University of California San Diego Campus

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Commonly asked questions
On Others
Q:   How are the athletics at the UC San Diego?
A: 

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.

Q:   How is the campus life at UCSD?
A: 

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

Q:   How can I get into UCSD Master of Finance program?
A: 

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.
Q:   Is GRE required for admission to MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego?
A: 

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
Q:   What GPA do you need to get into the UC San Diego MS in Electrical Engineering?
A: 

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
Q:   Is San Diego a Tier 1 school?
A: 

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.

Q:   How to get into UCSD from India?
A: 

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.

qna

Comments

qna

UC San Diego

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks 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

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 8 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

...Read more

B

Bhanupratap singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

According to the table given below, the University of California – Los Angeles ranks better than all the other similarly ranked universities mentioned in the table. Additionally, THE rankings for this university are constant form the last year and it showed an improvement too, on the other hand the

...Read more

M

Mayank Katariya

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 11 months ago

According to the details available officially, the average starting salary for the graduates is USD 71,250. Industry-wise starting salaries are given as follows:

Industry

Average Starting Salary

Accounting / Auditing

USD 74,257

Engineering and Design

USD 80,747

Finance and Banking

USD 82,467

Marketing, Sales, and Consumer Products

USD 65,591

Real Estate

USD 75,824

Technology

USD 79,139

C

Chandra Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 11 months ago

The University of San Diego tuition fees range between INR 27L and INR 45L for undergraduate programs and INR 22L and INR 66L for postgraduate programs. The students can expect the tuition fees between INR 27 and INR 39L for B tech and INR 22L and INR 66L for MBA. International students can check th

...Read more

J

Jiya Chauhan

Contributor-Level 8

About the author

author image
Akanksha Malhotra

Study Abroad Expert

Akanksha Malhotra is a Content Writer / Editor at Shiksha.com's Study Abroad vertical, creating content for University pages. She is a seasoned education writer with 5+ years of experience, including writing articles for all-India and state levels, r...Read Full Bio
UC San Diego Others(1)Atkinson Hall
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UC San Diego
Location

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University CitySan Diego, California, USA
Size of cityLarge
Population of City14,19,516

UC San Diego
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
San Diego CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

UC San Diego
Contact Information

Address

UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive,
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
US

San Diego ( California)

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