University of California-San Diego: Is It Worth It?
La Jolla, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
16.0
Net Price/Year
$12,470
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$84,943
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$15,500
at graduation
Is University of California-San Diego Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $84,943 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $12,470 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $49,880.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 0.6 years.
The median graduate leaves with $15,500 in debt, which represents about 18%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
26.7%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
34,948
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
94.0%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
802100.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$16,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,958
Avg Net Price
$12,470
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-San Diego worth the money?
Based on federal data, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $15,500 at graduation. The ROI score is 16.0.
What do University of California-San Diego graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of California-San Diego graduates is $65,669 six years after enrollment and $84,943 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-San Diego?
The acceptance rate at University of California-San Diego is 26.7%.
How much debt do University of California-San Diego graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for University of California-San Diego students is $15,500.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.