Overview
Founded in 1903 as a marine biological research station, Scripps Institution of Oceanography became part of the University of California in 1912 and served as the founding college of UC San Diego in 1960. It is renowned globally for pioneering research in oceanography, climate science, geophysics, and marine biology, including the historic Keeling Curve measurements of atmospheric CO2 that established the scientific foundation for understanding climate change. Scripps scientists have led major oceanographic expeditions and have been instrumental in developing fields such as plate tectonics, marine ecology, and paleoclimatology.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Total students | 300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 3:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 15% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $78,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,800 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.80 |
| Regular deadline | December 15 |
Top Programs
- Oceanography
- Marine Biology
- Climate Science
- Geophysics
- Earth Sciences
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.