University of California-San Diego
At a Glance
University of California-San Diego is a large public university in La Jolla, CA. Approximately 34,948 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 27% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 1 mile from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 40/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Location
La Jolla, CA
Campus Identity
University of California-San Diego is a large public university in La Jolla, CA. Approximately 34,948 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 27% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 1 mile from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 40/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@ucsandiego
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@UCSanDiego
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Campus Lifestyle
University of California-San Diego is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 1 miles from Torrey Pines City Beach, CA and 94 miles from Snow Valley Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big West
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Beach Access
1 miles
Torrey Pines City Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
62°F avg school-year
Greek Life at University of California-San Diego
At University of California-San Diego, 14% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
14%
Men in fraternities
14%
Women in sororities
Moderate Greek Life
Greek life scale
Nearby Ski Resorts
University of California-San Diego students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Snow Valley Mountain Resort, 94 miles away with 12 lifts and 240 skiable acres. All are within 96 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at University of California-San Diego are less than a mile from Torrey Pines City Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Torrey Pines City Beach, CA
Ocean access within 0.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · La Jolla, CA
La Jolla has a mild climate, with winters averaging 56°F in Dec and summers peaking around 74°F in Aug.
Station: SAN DIEGO MIRAMAR NAS · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
University of California-San Diego in CA earns a composite safety score of 40/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,758 | $50,958 |
| Fees | $3,258 | $3,258 |
| Room & Board | $18,970 | $18,970 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $38,986 | $73,186 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
200 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of California-San Diego located?
University of California-San Diego is located in La Jolla, CA. The main campus address is 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%, making it selective. Out of 134,450 applicants, 35,917 were admitted in the most recent year. 34,948 enrolled.
How many students attend University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego enrolls 34,948 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-San Diego?
For the 2024-25 academic year, University of California-San Diego charges $16,758/year for in-state students and $50,958/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($18,970/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $44,454/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,470/year — what students actually pay. Use University of California-San Diego's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of California-San Diego?
The undergraduate application fee at University of California-San Diego is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is University of California-San Diego a Division I (D1) school?
Yes. University of California-San Diego is an NCAA Division I school, part of the Big West. Division I is the top tier of NCAA athletics, home to the largest programs, athletic scholarships, and nationally televised games.
What percentage of students at University of California-San Diego are in Greek life?
At University of California-San Diego, 14% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
Is University of California-San Diego the right fit for me?
Whether University of California-San Diego is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (27% admit rate), avg net price ($12,470/year after aid), campus culture in La Jolla, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of California-San Diego against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of California-San Diego directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- La Jolla, CA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big West
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 62°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 40/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Diego, CA (NKX) · 5 mialso SAN (10 mi), NZY (12 mi)