Quick Summary
Since 1960, University of California, San Diego has been one of United States's prominent public research universitys, based in San Diego. Ranked #72 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 43389 students including 22% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 24.7%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Leading global research power, located on the beautiful La Jolla coast, featuring a unique residential college system that provides a small-college feel within a large university.
Subject Strengths
Biological SciencesComputer ScienceMarine SciencesEconomicsPharmacyEngineering
Founded1960
TypePublic Research University
Total Students43389
Intl Students22%
Faculty Ratio19:1
CampusSuburban/Coastal
Campus Size2,141 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUC San Diego Health - Hillcrest Medical Center,Jacobs Medical Center,Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#72
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#34
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#18
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Schools,Extension/Continuing Education
Programs
Bioinformatics,Cognitive Science,Neurosciences,Physics,Political Science,Visual Arts
PhD Programs
Master of Data Science,Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture-based Enterprise Systems,Various Extension Certificates
Online Programs
Scripps Institution of Oceanography,San Diego Supercomputer Center,Qualcomm Institute,Moores Cancer Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate24.7%
IELTS7.0
TOEFL83
Min GPA3.0 for CA residents, 3.4 for non-residents
GREOptional for many programs; varies by department
GMATRequired for MBA (Rady School of Management)
SATNot considered (Test-free)
ACTNot considered (Test-free)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). UCSD values academic rigor combined with community leadership and unique personal challenges overcome. Highlight specific research interests.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$16,056/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$23,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$13,900/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$39,556/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableRegents Scholarship,Chancellor's Scholarship,Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
Avg Scholarship$14,500
Financial AidFederal and State grants, loans, and work-study are available.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Schools,Extension/Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bioengineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Economics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Marine Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$78,200
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with San Diego's biotech hub and Silicon Valley tech firms.
Industry Connections
QualcommIlluminaGeneral AtomicsNorthrop GrummanPfizer
Notable Alumni
Khaled Hosseini,Bill Atkinson,Alicia Garza,Benicio del Toro,Jessica Meir
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
RIMAC Arena,Canyonview Aquatic Center,Triton Track & Field Stadium
Student Clubs
Over 600 student organizations
Library Resources
Geisel Library,WongAvery Library,Special Collections & Archives
Exchange Programs
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
Summer Programs
Global Seminars, Summer Session I & II