Overview
University of California-San Diego is located in La Jolla, CA. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from University of California-San Diego actually earn.
Data last updated: February 5, 2026
| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $84,943 | | In-State Tuition | $15,265 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $46,042 | | Acceptance Rate | 24.5% | | Graduation Rate | 87.6% | | Student Population | 33,787 |
Graduate Earnings
According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for University of California-San Diego graduates is $84,943 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.
This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.
How This Compares
Compare University of California-San Diego's graduate earnings to:
- [Similar schools in CA](/schools/ca)
- [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
- [National averages by major](/majors)
Cost Breakdown
Understanding the true cost of attending University of California-San Diego:
| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $15,265 | $46,042 | | Room & Board | $17,198 | $17,198 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $129,852 | $252,960 |
Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
ROI Analysis
To calculate your personal ROI:
- Estimate your total cost after financial aid
- Compare to median earnings of $84,943
- Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
- Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
Top Majors at University of California-San Diego
The highest-earning majors at University of California-San Diego typically include:
- Engineering and Computer Science programs
- Business and Finance degrees
- Healthcare and Nursing programs
Similar Schools to Consider
Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:
- Schools in CA with similar outcomes
- Institutions with comparable admission rates
- Universities with strong programs in your intended major
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-San Diego worth the tuition?
With median graduate earnings of $84,943 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $252,960, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.
What percentage of University of California-San Diego students graduate?
The graduation rate at University of California-San Diego is 87.6%, which is above the national average.
How competitive is admission to University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 24.5%.
---
Add University of California-San Diego to Your College List
Track deadlines, compare costs, and see how University of California-San Diego fits your college plan. Appffeine pulls federal earnings data so you can make an informed decision.
Early adopter special: The first 1,000 families get Pro free for 2 years — unlimited schools, family sharing, and deadline reminders included.
[Add to My List →](/api/login)
---
This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.