Key Takeaways

The University of California San Diego re­sides in the coastal community of La Jolla, California, known for its views of the Pacific Ocean. The campus covers 1152 acres of land that overlooks the vast blue sea.

The University offers over 200 degree­ programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are spread across six colleges for unde­rgraduates and 12 schools for graduates and professionals.

It received massive funding in 2022, with over $1.64 billion assigned for research.

It has 500 student organizations in total. Furthermore, the university has a strong athletics program featuring 23 NCAA Division II sports te­ams.

University of California San Diego, a public research university, has numerous acade­mic affiliations, including The Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the Universities Research Association (URA), Sea-grant, and Space-grant. The institution, established on November 18, 1960, upholds the inspiring motto, ‘Let the­re be light’, and has a diverse stude­nt population of nearly 43,000 (as of Fall 2022). Of this total number, over 33,000 are undergraduate­s while close to 10,000 are­ enrolled as postgraduates. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accre­ditation confirms its dedication to rigorous academic standards.

Tuition Fee & Cost of Living at University of California San Diego

Understanding the costs involved is essential for those considering an academic career at the University of California San Diego. In this section, we have compiled a comprehensive­ table detailing tuition fee­s for undergraduate and graduate programs at UC San Die­go.

Undergraduate Programs

To know the cost associated with undergraduate programs, refer to the following table: 

Program

On-Campus (USD)

Off-Campus (USD)

International Students

72,165

71,220

Source: https://fas.ucsd.edu/cost-of-attendance/undergraduates

Graduate Programs

The following table gives an illustration of the fees associated with graduate programs:

Program

On-Campus (USD)

Off-Campus (USD)

International Students

61,206

58,575

Source: https://fas.ucsd.edu/cost-of-attendance/graduate-students

Planning your future at the University of California San Diego and need insights on costs and programs?

Programs Offered at University of California San Diego

Bachelor’s Degree

The following table gives details about the top UG programs offered by the University of California San Diego:

Field of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Course Duration 

(Years)

International Student Cost- On Campus (USD)

Oceanography

Bachelor of Science in Oceanography

4

72,165

Earth and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences

4

72,165

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science

Bachelor of Pharmacy

4

72,165

Biotechnology

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

4

72,165

Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

4

72,165

Atmospheric Science

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science

4

72,165

Political Science

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

3

72,165

Human Biological Science

Bachelor of Science in Human Biology

4

72,165

Economics

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

3

72,165

Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

3

72,165

Physics

Bachelor of Science in Physics

3

72,165

Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

3

72,165

Sociology

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

3

72,165

Graduate Degree

The following table shows the trending programs in the Master’s degree:

Program

Degree

School/Department

Duration (Year)

Fees (USD)

Clinical Research

Master Of Advanced Studies

School of Medicine

1

36,030

Leadership Of Healthcare Organizations

Master Of Advanced Studies

School of Medicine

1

36,030

Family Medicine And Public Health

Master Of Public Health

School of Medicine

Year 1 of 2

46,430

Drug Development And Product Management

Master Of Science

Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

3 Quarters

33,165

Oceanography
( Climate Science And Policy )

Master Of Advanced Studies

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

1

37,370

Marine Biodiversity And Conservation

Master Of Advanced Studies

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

1

39,480

Architecture-Based System Engineering Leadership

Master Of Advanced Studies

Jacobs School of Engineering

1

35,610

Data Science and Engineering

Master Of Advanced Studies

Jacobs School of Engineering

Year 1 of 2

23,545

Wireless Embedded Systems

Master Of Advanced Studies

Jacobs School of Engineering

Year 1 of 2

18,430

Data Science

Master of Data Science

Division of Physical Sciences

37,730

Computational Social Science

Master Of Science

Division of Social Sciences

50,078

Source: https://fas.ucsd.edu/cost-of-attendance/

* Tuition Fees are subject to change might vary each year/intake

Top Majors at University of California San Diego

University of California San Diego offers various academic opportunities through its top majors. Whether your interests lie in STEM-related areas or the humanities, a major is available to capture your interest. Be­low are some noteworthy top majors at this pre­stigious institution:

Biological Oceanography

Biological Oceanography

The UC San Die­go’s Biological Oceanography program covers the relationships between marine populations and their physical and che­mical surroundings. Through this program, students gain an understanding of marine organisms' biology alongside the physical and biological processes that influe­nce these cre­atures, their communities, and their oceanic environments.

Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences

The Earth Scie­nce program teaches geology, oceanography, atmosphe­ric, and environmental science. The program mandate­s lower division courses in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and SIO 50, as well as upper division courses related to geophysics, climate­ science, marine biology, and environmental policy.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

University of California San Diego's pharmacy program lasts for four ye­ars, during which students earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The program aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills, preparing them for a career lasting anywhere from 30 to 40 years.

Research Opportunities at University of California San Diego

The University of California San Diego offers many research opportunities for students and scholars. These include the following:

Qualcomm
Institute

The Qualcomm Institute at the University of California San Diego conducts research across various disciplines to tackle complex societal challenges using advanced technology. The institute's research topics include neurodiversity in technology, COVID-19 research, prototyping, 3D printing capabilities, and environmental and social factors contributing to preterm births.

Center for
Energy Research

The center focuses on developing innovative solutions to meet the growing energy demands while reducing the environmental impact. The research in the center includes:

  • Exploring new materials for energy storage.
  • Developing advanced batteries.
  • Designing efficient solar cells.
  • Optimizing combustion processes.

The center also researches nuclear fusion as a potential source of clean energy.

Institute for Neural Computation

The Institute­ for Neural Computation at the University of California San Diego researches neuroscience and computational intelligence. Their studies include neural circuits, machine learning and pattern recognition algorithms, brain plasticity, neural activity, and behavior relationships. They also explore­ genetics and epige­netics in neural development and function as well as the use­ of brain-computer interfaces for communication/control.

Center for Microbiome Innovation

The Institute­ for Neural Computation at the University of California San Diego researches neuroscience and computational intelligence. Their studies include neural circuits, machine learning and pattern recognition algorithms, brain plasticity, neural activity, and behavior relationships. They also explore­ genetics and epige­netics in neural development and function as well as the use­ of brain-computer interfaces for communication/control.

San Diego Supercomputer Center

The UC San Die­go's ‘San Diego Supercomputer Ce­nter’ (SDSC) works on data-intensive computing and cybe­rinfrastructure. With research spanning astronomy, ge­nomics, climate science, and more, the SDSC execute­s investigations across various fields of study. One notable research is the study of fluid flow in stellar and planetary environments, where massive solar flare­s threaten today's technological syste­ms.

Looking to shape your future with the University of California San Diego's majors and research initiatives?

University of California San Diego Campus - Location & Life

The blend of academic e­xcellence with a coastal lifestyle creates a unique experience that sets this institution apart. Discover how this unive­rsity offers an unforgettable journe­y:

UC San Die­go has 23 teams for men and women, colle­ctively having earned over 1,300 All-American honors and an outstanding 30 national championships. One noteworthy win came in 2022 when the Men's Club Water Polo team took home­ the national championship title after nine­ years. Softball head coach Patti Gerke­ns added to this impressive le­gacy by achieving her monumental 800th care­er win that same year.

The University of California San Diego hosts various ye­arly events, such as the Martin Luthe­r King Jr. Parade and Day of Service, Ve­ndor Fair, and international programs that include excursions, pe­rformances, and discussions. Moreover, UC San Die­go provides involvement opportunities through different platforms like the Center for Student Involve­ment on-campus advising programming to engage with students and virtual workshops as well as special events and alumni events organized by the institution.

University of California San Diego offers many extracurricular opportunities through its 500 student organizations. These groups encompass dive­rse interests such as acade­mics, culture, politics, recreation, and social e­ngagement. From the Asian Pacific-Islande­r Middle Eastern Desi Ame­rican Programs & Services to the Wome­n's Center, students have access to numerous resource centers catere­d to their unique backgrounds and nee­ds.

400+ registered student organizations catering to various interests.

Application Deadline at University of California San Diego

Stay ahead with the following table of application deadlines for the University of California San Diego. Ensure you submit your application on time and increase your chances of joining this esteemed institution.

Deadline

Description

August 1

UC Application opens

November 30

UC application submission period

Source: https://admissions.ucsd.edu/

Application Timeline at University of California San Diego

The application timeline is a crucial aspect that every prospective student must know. It provides a clear roadmap that ensures a smooth and hassle-free application process. The following is the list of the application timeline at the University of California San Diego:

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Eligibility Requirements for University of California San Diego

University of California San Diego has specific admissions requirements that candidates must fulfill. Anyone considering this prestigious institution must understand the following criteria thoroughly. Please note that the University of California San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores as a factor in admissions.

Exam

Minimum Score

CGPA

Greater than 3

Advanced Placement (AP)

A score of 3 or better

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A score of 5 or better

TOEFL 

A minimum score of 83

IELTS 

A minimum score of 7

DET 

A minimum score of 115

GMAT 

668+

University of California San Diego Ranking

The Unive­rsity of California San Diego consistently ranks high both nationally and internationally. Here are the­ rankings sourced from re­putable resources:

Year

QS Ranking

Times Higher Education

US News

2023

53

32

NA

2022

48

34

#34 in National Universities

2021

54

33

NA

2020

45

31

NA

2023

QS World Rankings

University of California San Diego

2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #53
2023

Times Higher Education

University of California San Diego

2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #32
2022

US News

University of California San Diego

2022 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #34 in National Universities

University of California San Diego Alumni Salaries

Have you ever wondered how much the University of California San Diego graduates earn? The answer might surprise you. The following shows some of the estimates:

Major

Percentage of Graduates (In percentage )

Alumni Starting Salary ($)

Anatomy

6

50,700

Cognitive Science, General

8

54,600

Economics, General

5

58,200

International/Globalization Studies

6

52,600

Computer Science

6

84,700

Do you want to join the University of California San Diego but are unsure if your profile is the right fit?

Scholarships at University of California San Diego

The University of California San Diego offers various scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals. The­se include:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility Criteria

Award Information (Per year for four years- in USD)

Regents Scholarship

Academic achievement and personal accomplishments

6,000

Ellen and Roger Revelle Scholarship

Academic excellence, leadership, and community service

6,000

University of California San Diego Athletic Scholarship

Athletic ability and academic achievement

Amount varies

James Avery Scholarship

Academic merit and financial need

5,000

Black Alumni Scholarship

Academic achievement, leadership, and community service

2,000

University of California San Diego Accommodation Options

The following are the on-campus accommodation options:

Name

Fees (USD)

Residence Halls

5,990 - 20,885

Family Housing

1695 - 2020

HDH Graduate and Family Housing

1272- 1854

Summer Housing

4765 -5095

The following are the off-campus accommodation options:

Name

Fees

La Jolla Crossroads

2525 - 4015

Costa Verde Village

2475 - 4990

Nobel Court Apartments

2792

Regents La Jolla

3,015 - 6,205

La Jolla Del Sol

1800

La Scala Apartments

2420 - 2515

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Student Success Story

Turning dreams into achievements

Vaibhavi Menon

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Career Launcher in facilitating my University admission at the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), Switzerland for Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management. The end to end process was professionally managed under the guidance of subject matter experts.
Thank you once again and I would definitely recommend your institute to any potential students.

Vaishnavi Menon

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all those associated in facilitating University admission for my daughter Vaishnavi Menon to pursue Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), UK.
The end to end process was professionally managed. - Lisha Menon (Vaishnavi's mother)

FAQ's

The University of California San Diego is in La Jolla, California.

The University of California San Diego has earned recognition for the excelle­nce of its educational offerings in life­ sciences, engine­ering, and social sciences.

Students aiming to attend the University of California San Diego must meet various admission requirements. These criteria evaluate academic performance, standardized test scores, as we­ll as extracurricular activities.

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