Overview
Founded in 1903 as a small 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 globally renowned for pioneering discoveries such as the Keeling Curve documenting atmospheric CO2 rise, plate tectonics research, and deep-sea exploration, establishing it as a world leader in oceanographic, geophysical, and climate science. Scripps operates a fleet of research vessels, the Birch Aquarium, and numerous specialized research centers, making it a cornerstone of global earth systems science.
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 | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $16,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $30,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.80 |
| Regular deadline | December 1 |
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.