This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between two prestigious universities in San Diego, California: the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU). Before making a decision on which school to attend, prospective students will learn about the costs, admissions, academics, degrees offered, diversity, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes of each institution.
University of California San Diego Overview
The University of California San Diego, established in 1960, is a public research university located in La Jolla, California. UCSD is a top-ranked institution known for its strong emphasis on research, STEM programs, and interdisciplinary studies. The university is spread across 2,141 acres and comprises six undergraduate colleges, five graduate schools, and two professional schools.
University of California San Diego Costs & Tuition
UCSD’s tuition and fees vary depending on a student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, California residents pay approximately $14,770, while out-of-state students pay around $44,594. Additional costs include housing, meal plans, and other miscellaneous expenses, which can bring the total estimated cost of attendance to between $33,450 and $63,274 per year.
University of California San Diego Admissions
Admissions at UCSD are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 30%. Prospective students should submit their applications through the University of California Application portal. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 4.04, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1310 and 29, respectively.
University of California San Diego Degrees Offered
UCSD offers various degrees across a wide range of subjects, including over 130 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs. The most popular majors at UCSD include biology, engineering, social sciences, and physical sciences.
University of California San Diego Academics
The university is known for its strong research focus, and students have access to numerous research opportunities across various disciplines. UCSD also offers several interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to explore multiple areas of interest.
University of California San Diego Diversity
UCSD has a diverse student body, with approximately 65% of students identifying as non-white. Around 52% of the undergraduate students are female, and about 48% are male. International students make up approximately 19% of the overall population.
University of California San Diego Students
UCSD enrolls more than 30,000 undergraduate and over 8,000 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, providing students with ample opportunities for personalized attention and academic support.
University of California San Diego Campus
The UCSD campus spans 2,141 acres in picturesque La Jolla, California. Students have access to various facilities, including state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and on-campus housing options.
University of California San Diego Alumni
UCSD boasts a strong network of over 200,000 alumni. Notable UCSD graduates include astronaut Kate Rubins, computer scientist Larry Smarr, and novelist Jonathan Lethem.
University of California San Diego Rankings
UCSD consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and the world. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, UCSD ranks 35th in National Universities and 8th in the list of Top Public Schools.
University of California San Diego Outcomes
Graduates of UCSD have strong employment prospects and typically go on to work in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and research. The average starting salary for UCSD graduates is around $61,000.
San Diego State University Overview
San Diego State University, founded in 1897, is a public university located in San Diego, California. As part of the California State University system, SDSU is recognized for its commitment to diversity, community engagement, and academic excellence. The university enrolls over 35,000 students and offers more than 160 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as nearly 100 graduate programs.
San Diego State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at SDSU depend on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, California residents pay approximately $7,720, while out-of-state students pay around $19,340. Additional costs, such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses, can bring the total estimated cost of attendance to between $29,800 and $41,420 per year.
San Diego State University Admissions
SDSU has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 34%. Prospective students need to submit their applications through the California State University Application portal. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.77, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1210 and 25, respectively.
San Diego State University Degrees Offered
SDSU offers a wide range of degree programs across various disciplines, including over 160 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as nearly 100 graduate programs. Popular majors at SDSU include business, health and human services, and social sciences.
San Diego State University Academics
SDSU emphasizes a well-rounded education, offering students opportunities to engage in research, internships, and community service. The university also has strong connections to local industries, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
San Diego State University Diversity
SDSU is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with over 60% of students identifying as non-white. About 55% of the undergraduate students are female, and around 45% are male. International students make up approximately 6% of the overall population.
San Diego State University Students
SDSU has a total enrollment of over 35,000 students, comprising more than 30,000 undergraduate and over 5,000 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio at SDSU is 25:1, providing students with opportunities for interaction and support.
San Diego State University Campus
The SDSU campus spans 283 acres and is located in the heart of San Diego. The university offers various facilities, including modern research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and on-campus housing options.
San Diego State University Alumni
SDSU has a strong network of over 300,000 alumni. Notable SDSU graduates include filmmaker Kathleen Kennedy, journalist Artie Ojeda, and former NFL player Marshall Faulk.
San Diego State University Rankings
SDSU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, SDSU ranks 143rd in National Universities and 65th in Top Public Schools.
San Diego State University Outcomes
Graduates of SDSU are well-equipped for success in the workforce, with many alumni working in industries such as business, technology, and healthcare. The average starting salary for SDSU graduates is around $51,000.
University of California San Diego vs San Diego State University Cost Comparison
Both UCSD and SDSU offer affordable education to California residents, with SDSU being the more cost-effective option. California residents can expect to pay approximately $14,770 per year in tuition and fees at UCSD, while SDSU students pay around $7,720. Out-of-state students will pay significantly more at both institutions, with UCSD costing around $44,594 and SDSU at $19,340. When considering additional expenses, such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance at UCSD ranges from $33,450 to $63,274, while SDSU ranges from $29,800 to $41,420 per year.
University of California San Diego vs San Diego State University Admissions Difficulty
Both UCSD and SDSU have competitive admissions processes, with UCSD being slightly more selective. UCSD has an acceptance rate of approximately 30%, while SDSU’s acceptance rate is around 34%. The average high school GPA, SAT, and ACT scores for admitted students at UCSD are 4.04, 1310, and 29, respectively. In comparison, the average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores for admitted students at SDSU are 3.77, 1210, and 25.
University of California San Diego vs San Diego State University Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer challenging academic programs, with UCSD being more research-focused and SDSU providing a well-rounded education. UCSD is known for its strong STEM programs and emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, while SDSU offers a wide range of degree options and opportunities for internships, community service, and research.
University of California San Diego vs San Diego State University Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both UCSD and SDSU have strong employment prospects and typically go on to work in various industries. The average starting salary for UCSD graduates is around $61,000, while SDSU graduates can expect a starting salary of approximately $51,000. Both universities have strong alumni networks and connections to local industries, providing valuable networking opportunities for graduates.
