Find Scholarships That Fit You
Want funding for college that doesn't need to be paid back? Explore College Confidential's new scholarship tool and search for scholarships that are tailored to you.
Saved to My Favorites.
View My Favorites
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla,
CA
•4-Year Public•
Acceptance Rate24%
Media (1)
About UC San Diego
University of California, San Diego is a public research university known for its collaborative culture and emphasis on innovation. UCSD has a laid-back atmosphere and students who love to take advantage of the campus’s green spaces and the close proximity to the beautiful beaches in La Jolla, CA.
One of the biggest draws for students interested in UC San Diego is the university’s focus on undergraduate research. UC San Diego offers several research opportunities for students through the faculty mentor program, the UC scholars program, and the academic internship program.
While the UC San Diego sports teams and sports culture on campus are not as prominent as at other UC campuses, the UCSD teams do compete at the highest collegiate level. In 2020 UC San Diego transitioned from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I by joining the Big West Conference. The transition signifies the schools commitment to growing and supporting the athletic programs and athletic opportunities.
Did You Know?
Surfing culture is huge at UC San Diego. In fact, UC San Diego is considered the most surf-friendly school in the country. The UCSD Surf Team is nationally ranked and has won many national championships. Additionally, the university offers year-round surf classes, has a surf club, and the surf community has also participated in surf-related research and inventions.
See What the CC Community is Saying About UC San Diego.
University of California, San Diego is a public, state university in the suburb of La Jolla, California. UC San Diego was founded in 1959. The college currently enrolls around 41,482 students per year, including 33,096 undergraduate students.
UC San Diego Acceptance Rate
It is very difficult to get into UC San Diego. Around 24% of applicants get into UC San Diego each year. In 2022, 131,254 students applied to UC San Diego and 31,274 were admitted.
| University of California, San Diego Admissions Facts At-A-Glance | |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 24% |
| Early Decision Acceptance Rate | ED not offered |
| Early Action Acceptance Rate | EA not offered |
| Average GPA | 4.0 |
| Test Optional | May require tests |
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
University of California, San Diego Community Forums
Save UC San Diego To Your College List
Click the heart icon in the top left to save UC San Diego to the list of schools you're interested in applying to.
Interested In Schools in California?
See a full list of colleges in California and save your favorites to your college list.
Tour University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Diego is located in the town of La Jolla, California, near San Diego.
If you would like to see UC San Diego for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take Interstate 5 to La Jolla, or book a flight to the nearest airport, San Diego International.
You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what University of California, San Diego and La Jolla are like without leaving home.
College Info
UC San Diego Application Deadline
First-Year Applications are Due
Nov 30
Transfer Applications are Due
Nov 30
The deadline for Fall first-year applications to UC San Diego is Nov 30.
The deadline for Fall transfer applications to UC San Diego is Nov 30.
Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs
UC San Diego SAT Scores
Composite SAT Range
Not available
Math SAT Range
Not available
Reading SAT Range
Not available
UC San Diego Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
$35,472
In State$68,046
Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$13,752
$46,326
Fees
$4,395
$4,395
Housing
$17,325
$17,325
Books
Unknown
Unknown
Student Life
Wondering what life at UC San Diego is like? There are approximately 41,482 students enrolled at UC San Diego, including 33,096 undergraduate students and 8,386 graduate students. 95% percent of students attend school full-time, 90% percent are from CA and 10% percent of students are from other states.
95%
Full Time3%
Part Time90%
In State10%
Out-of-StateData Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved
Quick Facts
Total Enrollment
41,482
Campus Setting
Suburban
Acceptance Rate
24%
Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline
Nov 30
Find Your Scholarship
Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!
Do You Work at a University?
Claim your page to customize your profile and connect with students!
Need Advice or Have a Question About UC San Diego?
Connect with the world's largest college forum for candid, authentic discussion.