About University of California-San Diego

Founded in 1960, University of California-San Diego. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 28,127 full time undergraduate students, and 6,852 full time graduate students.

The University of California-San Diego Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 1253 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-San Diego include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate35%
Application Deadline
Application Fee70
SAT Range1170-1450
ACT Range27-33

Admissions at UCSD are considered More Selective, with ,68% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 7 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 100% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-San Diego.

University of California-San Diego REVIEWS

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    300 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    249 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    321 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    322 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    322 Students rated class size 3.2 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    321 Students rated school activities 3.6 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    321 Students rated local services 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    323 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of California-San Diego?

146 Students rated University of California-San Diego

Shayna - 12/27/2023

UC San Diego is a great school! There are a variety of useful campus resources including free tutoring at the library, therapy animals that come 2-3 times a quarter, a wellbeing lounge, and many counseling group/individual therapy/activity programs. The academic advisors and professors are generally very approachable and have clear office hours set, easy to get communication, and so many good course options. Campus is lovely and very easy to navigate/commute by. Lots of dining options to choose from and for the most part the food is very good. Quality of housing really depends on which college neighborhood you're in- some are much newer and nicer than others. Social aspect is a little difficult as there aren't a ton of diverse/interesting clubs but if you put in the effort you'll meet people.

Hannah - 07/23/2023

As I sit down to pen this review, my heart swells with gratitude and fondness for the school that has been my home away from home. My journey at UCSD has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with cherished memories, invaluable lessons, and friendships that will last a lifetime. From the moment I stepped through the school's welcoming doors, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. The warm and nurturing environment created by the dedicated faculty and staff instantly made me feel like part of a caring family. Each teacher's passion for their subject and commitment to the students has been truly inspiring, fostering a love for learning that has stayed with me. One of the most beautiful aspects of UCSD is the close-knit community it fosters. I have been fortunate to find friends who share my passion for learning and embrace a zest for life. Together, we have navigated the challenges of academics, celebrated each other's successes, and lent a supportive shoulder during tougher times. The bonds we've forged will forever hold a special place in my heart. Speaking of challenges, UCSD never shies away from pushing its students to strive for excellence. The rigorous curriculum and thought-provoking assignments have stretched my intellectual boundaries and taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I have discovered that embracing challenges not only expands my knowledge but also builds resilience and self-confidence. But it's not just academics; UCSD has also offered an array of extracurricular activities that have allowed me to explore my interests and talents. Whether it's the debate club, sports teams, or the creative arts, the school provides a platform for every student to shine and discover their true passions. As I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in life, I am filled with immense gratitude for the life-changing experiences I've had at UCSD. The wisdom imparted by my teachers, the joy shared with friends, and the thirst for knowledge kindled here will stay with me forever. This school has not only prepared me academically but has also instilled in me the values of compassion, integrity, and empathy, which I will carry with me on my journey ahead. Regenerate response Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. ChatGPT July 20 Version

Samara Marie - 07/17/2023

UCSD is a huge campus and offers many great opportunities to those who seek it. I personally encourage whoever is interested to get involved in campus activities and in class. Participation makes or breaks your experience, trust me. I lived in the dorms for my first year and it was fun. The living space and daily interactions made life there enjoyable and feel like a community.

Jack - 04/26/2023

I think UCSD is a great school. It’s apart of the UC system so it’s amazing school for students who are residents of California. It is quite pricy for out of state students. The campus is really big so you will have to do quite a bit of walking. They are heavy stem based school so that can be a big positive or negative. The campus is unique, it’s not a traditional looking campus. There are many places to eat. The library of the campus is amazing and it’s a unique piece of architecture .

University of California-San Diego FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of California-San Diego?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-San Diego is 35%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would definately look at more college choices , even if it meant going out-of-state. I would make sure to enroll in a college-transition program, so that I'd be well prepared at the beginning of school. I would try to sit through a lecture to get a sense of what I was going to get into. Search the school for their extra-curricular activities they offer. What sports are offered there? Is their carreer center helpful/convenient? Talk to students already enrolled and get some honest answers from them; ask if they enjoy that campus. Make sure you like the location. For ex: Are you into cold/hot weather. Do you like the beach or the snow? Do you see yourself graduating from that college in particular? Do you know what you want to major/minor in? Check out the dorm-living life. Are there convenient ways of getting thorugh and out of campus? Do you like the fast-food places on campus? What type of work-study jobs are available for students? Is the college aiming to GO-GREEN? How are the students giving back to the community in general? What kind of attractions are around?

    Read all  269 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Young, inexperienced, academically smart and socially ignorant

    Read all  129 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This school is a good bang for your buck.

    Read all  105 answers
  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics are ridiculously competitive, overly stressful, and unnecessarily intense. Some professors are great, some are terrible, and some are in the middle.

    Read all  103 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    The biggest stereotype at UCSD is that it is socially dead and that all the students are really big nerds.

    Read all  92 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Associated Students, the Student Foundation, and intervarsity are popular on campus. Our sports are not popular at all. AT ALL. Our theater department and plays are great.

    Read all  92 answers
  8. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    unfortunately, yes.

    Read all  91 answers
  9. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    University of California San Diego is a wonderful place to learn with its calm, breezy atmosphere due to its close beaches while at the same time is challenging in its academics.

    Read all  71 answers
  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    UC San Diego is a great balance being an academically and athletically competitive school. It is the only NCAA Division II school in the nation that does not offer scholarships to athletes because the school wants to maintain its high academic standard. UC San Diego is the best fit for me in between an extremely competitive Division I athletic school and an extremely competitive Division III academic school.

    Read all  70 answers
  11. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    There's so much focus on "chasing the grade" that learning often gets overlooked.

    Read all  57 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about UCSD is the 6 college system. By splitting up this huge campus, more intricate relationships may form, as well as healthy competition and motivation inside the institution. There is a place for everybody.

    Read all  55 answers
  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is dedicated. If you think you can just sit around and do nothing because "that's what you did in high school" think again. This college is very demanding.

    Read all  51 answers
  14. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    How to find cheaper books, and where to find cheper books.

    Read all  51 answers
  15. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    beach, socially dead, mexico, nice location, nice view, nice weather

    Read all  43 answers
  16. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Students who do not like to work hard, read a very heavy load and write loads of papers. This is a tough school and you will have to focus on academics over a social life.

    Read all  36 answers
  17. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    My school lacks school spirit It is wonderful that we are so academically oriented, but students do not support other students doing different activities such as sports, acting, and clubs. By supporting different events around campus, it would create a more unified and encouraging environment. A large increase in school spirit and support for students representing the school would make my experience at UC San Diego so much better.

    Read all  32 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    It is a premier institution and located in a beautiful area.

    Read all  31 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Read all  31 answers
  20. Describe the dorms.

    The dorms differ depending on what college you're situated at. ERC - some of the newest dorms are here so they're the nicest. The rooms are nice and spacious probably 10x15 for most of them. Everything is a kind of cream color, furniture is pretty sufficient, and each floor has a common room. Depending on if you're in a school dorm or apartment, there's one kitchen per building and the latter one kitchen per apartment. The quad is oval shaped so everyone is facing each other and I think the set up of things makes ERC feel the most like a community because everyone leaves their doors open too. Transfer housing - it's the newest and the nicest. There's actually some color there - cream, green, and grey. They have a lot of really high tech stuff, too. The rest I can't really say much about because I've never been there, but I can give you the typical opinions. Marshall - the most realistic apartment housing Muir - best known for it's view and themed housing Revelle - worst housing because it's super small, but they're building new dorms so they should be REALLY nice from what I've seen Warren - normal? Sixth - if you like camping, then you should hopefully like these dorms because they're fashioned after log cabins.

    Read all  12 answers
  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    UCSD is an excellent school, academically (especially for Aerospace, my major, for which there are many companies nearby), has plenty to do outside of the classroom, has a thriving automotive club (Formula SAE) that I participate in, and my older brother is studying for his MBA here and my sister in law is finishing her undergraduate studies as well.

    Read all  11 answers

Student Body

Students

48%

female

52%

male

28,127

Total Undergrad Enrollment

6,852

Total Grad Students

7%

Out-Of-State

74%

In-State

19%

International

Organizations

405

Student Organizations

19

Fraternities

14

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

43%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
36%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
17%
% White or Caucasian
20%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

56% of students attending University of California-San Diego receive some sort of financial aid. 26% were awarded federal grants. While 32% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$40,327

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,541

Books and Supplies

$12,545

Room and Board

54,413

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,585
$30 - $48K
$9,541
$48 - $75K
$13,367
$75 - $110K
$20,277
$110K & UP
$27,866

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO University of California-San Diego?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH