

UC San Diego: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
1200 acre campus
- Estd. 1960
University of California - San Diego Campus Ranking 2026
University of California - San Diego Campus is one of the most prominent universities in the USA. If we see University of California - San Diego Campus rankings, top ranking bodies all over the globe rank it. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026, University of California - San Diego Campus is ranked at #18 in the USA. Whereas, in the world rankings, University of California - San Diego Campus ranks at #37 in 2026. Subject rankings of the University of California - San Diego Campus are also given below-
| University of California - San Diego Campus Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| LL.M. | #185 | #84 |
| M.A. | #44 | #20 |
| MFA | #50 | #18 |
| M.Arch | #145 | #36 |
| Others PG | #33 | #16 |
| MBA/PGDM | #181 | #93 |
| MS | #28 | #15 |
| B.E. / B.Tech | - | #13 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, ARWU has also ranked the university globally. It ranks MBS School of Business at #901 in 2023.
#37
#18
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 is one of the top ranked universities for higher education in the world. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, University of California San Diego is ranked at #36 in world and #18 in the USA. Top ranking bodies worldwide ranks UCSD that are listed below-
Ranking Authorities | Rank |
|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #36 in world and #18 in the USA |
Times Higher Education 2026 | #47 in World University Rankings |
QS Rankings 2026 | #66 in QS World University Rankings |
US News and World Report 2026 | #29 in Best National Universities |
University of California San Diego Programs
University of California San Diego offers best degree programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. UCSD offers more than 200 academic programs, including UG and PG levels for its international students. UC San Diego is committed to offering quality education through its 12 academic divisions and schools for its international students.
University of California San Diego Popular Programs
University of California San Diego popular programs include Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, etc. The top programs opted by Indian students at UCSD are listed below-
University of California San Diego Online Programs
University of California San Diego offer various online for its international students. Some popular online programs offered by UCSD are listed below-
- Astronomy
- Bioengineering
- Biology
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
14K+ students got admitted through us.
14K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
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.
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.
University of California - San Diego Campus Admission 2026
For University of California San Diego admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements. Indian students can apply for both UG and PG programs through UCSD Portal. University of California San Diego application fee for international students is listed below-
|
Particulars |
Application Fee |
|---|---|
|
UG |
USD 95 (8,604) |
|
PG |
USD 155 (INR 14,039) |
University of California San Diego Application Deadline
University of California San Diego application deadline for international students is listed below-
|
Intakes |
Deadline |
|---|---|
|
MBA |
Apr 1, 2026 |
University of California San Diego Eligibility of Indian students
- For UG and PG program apply via UCSD Portal
- Complete the application form with all relevant documents
- Prepare your documents
- Submit test scores
- Pay the application fee
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete online application
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Senior Secondary Certificate
- A GPA of 3.4 on a scale of 4.0
- Resume/CV
- Copy of passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an approved university
- Complete application form
- Official academic transcripts
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample
- Financial Proof
- Application fees :USD 125 - 200
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
For UCSD admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements. University of California San Diego application fee for international students is listed below-
Particulars | Application Fee |
|---|---|
UG | USD 95 (8,604) |
PG | USD 155 (INR 14,039) |
For UG admissions, UC San Diego releases admission decisions almost 4 months after the application deadline. In the case of PG programs, 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.
University of California San Diego requirements for international students vary by programme in which applicants apply. Entry requirements for UG and PG 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
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.
UC San DiegoUniversity of California San Diego Scholarships
University of California San Diego does not offer scholarships for its international students.
UC San DiegoStudents Ratings & Reviews
- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of California San Diego Placements
UCSD grads work for top sectors such as Engineering, Business Development, Education, Research, Operations, etc. University of California San Diego placement rate attracts international students the most. University of California San Diego graduates are constantly in high demand worldwide.
University of California San Diego Placement Rate
As per UCSD MBA placement report 2024, University of California San Diego MBA placement rate stands at 72%, and the graduates are employed within 3 months of graduation. University of California San Diego graduates work for leading firms such as AGS, Boston Consulting Group, Kearney Japan, YPOG, EY-Parthenon, etc. The average salary of University of California San Diego MBA graduate is listed below-
|
Particulars |
Salary |
|---|---|
|
Average Salary (Postgrad) |
USD 116,430/year |
ROI after Education at University of California San Diego
Return on Investment (ROI) for a university is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) at University of California San Diego-
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
MBA |
INR 31 L - 71 L |
USD 116,430 |
|
UG |
INR 29.39 L - 48.62 L |
USD 71,145 |
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.
UC San DiegoStudent profile
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 3 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 9 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 11 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 11 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 11 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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