Overview
Founded in 1960 as part of the University of California system, UC San Diego grew rapidly from its roots in the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography into one of the world's leading research universities. It is consistently ranked among the top public universities globally, particularly distinguished in biological sciences, oceanography, engineering, computer science, and medicine. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows among its faculty, and its research enterprise attracts billions in funding annually, driving innovation in biotechnology and telecommunications throughout the San Diego region.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Total students | 42,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 24% |
| Graduation rate | 88% |
| Average starting salary | $72,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $16,988 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $49,402 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $21,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1340-1540 |
| ACT range | 29-34 |
| Average GPA | 4.11 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Biology & Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Oceanography & Marine Sciences
- Cognitive Science
- Economics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.