Highest Package
Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
Established in 1960, University of California San Diego is one of the leading public research institute in the world. In 2025 University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is ranked #72 globally by QS World University Rankings and #29 in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges National Universities list.
As of fall 2024, around 45,273 students were enrolled at University of California San Diego campus across all courses. International students make up nearly 38% of the total enrolment. UC San Diego demonstrates highly competitive admissions with 25% being admitted to UG and 27.12% admitted to PG courses. To apply for UC San Diego admissions, you need 3.0 or above in previous qualifications.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, UC San Diego's tuition for out-of-state (including international) students is estimated to be $50,328, plus a supplemental nonresident tuition fee of $34,200, totaling roughly $84,528, not including other expenses. University Of California San Diego is listed among the top 50 universities in USA for graduate employability with an overall placement rate of ~90%.
Also Check: University of California San Diego Students Reviews & Rating
The University of California San Diego has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by several ranking bodies. Tabulated below are the University of California San Diego Rankings trends by popular agencies:
| Ranking Agency | Rankings 2025 | Rankings 2024 | Rankings 2023 | Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #72 | #62 | #53 | #48 |
| THE World University Rankings | #34 | #34 | #32 | #34 |
| U.S News and World Report Best Global Universities | #29 | #20 | #20 | #21 |
| CWUR | #18 | #34 | #34 | #34 |
UCSD is a member of the larger University of California system, which includes 9 other semi-autonomous public institutions. University of California San Diego campus houses 761 buildings used as administrative buildings, classrooms, research centres, medical facilities, sports facilities, residential buildings, Laboratories, Libraries, studios, etc.

While living on UC San Diego campus, students can connect with more than 600+ student-led clubs and organizations as per their choice.
University of California San Diego offers more than 140 undergraduate and 100+ graduate professional courses through 12 academic departments. The top 5 majors at UC San Diego include psychology, cognitive science, economics, mathematics and biology.
The University of California San Diego admissions are highly competitive with 25% acceptance rate for UG and 27.12% for PG.
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | UC San Diego Graduate Application |
| Application Fees | 155 USD (13,299 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | 3-4 year undergraduate degree |
| GPA Required | 3.0 (85%) |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 85 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Standardized Test Scores | GMAT - 630-704 | GRE - 160-168 in Quant and 155-156 |
| Documents Checklist | 2-3 letters of recommendation | SOP | Resume or CV |
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | UC San Diego Undergraduate Application |
| Application Fees | 95 USD (8,151 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | Higher school secondary certificate (Std 12th in Indian CBSE or State Board) |
| GPA Required | 4.11–4.29 (Average) |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 83 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Documents Checklist | Personal insight questions | Portfolio |
University of California offers 62 courses across various disciplines for international students. The UG tuition fees for Indian students range from USD 37857 (₹3241694) to USD 55182 (₹4725234). The PG tuition fees for Indian students range from USD 35361 (₹3027962) to USD 42759 (₹3661453).
The tuition fee 2024 for M.S Business Analytics at University of California was USD 34053 (₹2915958). In 2023, the fee was USD 32685 (₹2798817). The fee has increased by USD 1368 (₹117141).
The cost of living for students at University of California in San Diego, USA is around USD 1308 (₹112004)/year covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Also Check: Cost of living in USA for International Students
International students applying at University of California San Diego must note that the institute does provide numerous awards and scholarships to study in USA. Some graduate departments award limited funding to international students. Some such awards are as mentioned below.
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Ellen and Roger Revelle Scholarship (merit-based) | Incoming UG students | academic merit | Up to 10,000 CAD (2,500 CAD per year) |
| Clayton H. Brace Scholarship | Incoming UG students with an interest in communications | Up to 1,000 CAD |
| Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Scholarship | UG students | academic merit, demonstrated financial need, extracurricular activities | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Ray and Betty Ramseyer Scholarship | Incoming UG students with an interest in the social sciences | Up to 20,000 CAD, paid at up to 5,000 CAD per year |
| Ludwig and Ada Strauss Scholarship | UG students | academic merit, demonstrated financial need | 5,000 CAD per year |
According to Times Higher Education Employability Rank 2023-24, the University of California San Diego ranks #36th in USA and #174th in the world.
Top Paying Job Profiles for UC San Diego Graduates:
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Software Engineer | 148,943 | 1.24 Cr |
| Software Engineer | 106,427 | 88.83 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 95,173 | 79.43 lakhs |
| Mechanical Engineer | 89,807 | 74.95 lakhs |
| Project Manager | 85,925 | 71.71 lakhs |
| Data Analyst | 76,460 | 63.81 lakhs |
| Research Associate Biotechnology | 64,766 | 54.05 lakhs |
Ques: Is the University of California San Diego a good college?
Ans: Yes, University of California San Diego or UCSD is a public university established in 1960. University of California San Diego campus is the 7th oldest of the University of California's 10 campuses. Additionally, UCSD ranks 3rd among U.S. public universities, based on Forbes' 2023 America's Top Colleges list. Overall, UC San Diego secured the 21st spot out of 500 universities in USA, both public and private.
Ques: What GPA do you need to get into University of California San Diego?
Ans: The GPA required for admission to University of California San Diego is as follows
| Undergraduate | 3.4/4.0 (89%) |
| Postgraduate | 3.0/4.0 (85%) |
Ques: Is UC San Diego hard to get into?
Ans: University of California San Diego acceptance rate is 34%, indicating a moderately selective admissions policy. To get admission, students need a decent GPA and good academic records.
Ques: What is UC San Diego ranked in the world?
Ans: In the QS World University Rankings 2025, UC San Diego is ranked #72 globally, while in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, it secures the 34th spot. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Ques: Is the University of California San Diego expensive?
Ans: The average cost of attendance at University of California San Diego USA is around 48 lakhs. This includes a tuition fee of 15 lakhs and Supplemental tuition fee of nearly 27 lakhs for international students. The tuition fee distribution for both UG and PG programs is tabulated below:
|
Undergraduate |
Tuition and Fees: 18,480 CAD (15 lakhs INR) |
| International Supplemental Tuition: 32,574 CAD (27 lakhs INR) | |
|
Postgraduate |
Tuition and Fees: 18,951 CAD (15 lakhs INR) |
| International Supplemental Tuition: 15,102 CAD (12 lakhs INR) |
Ques: What is University of California San Diego known for?
Ans: The University of California San Diego is known for various programs, which are listed below:
Ques: Is UCSD public or private?
Ans: UCSD, or the University of California San Diego, is a public research university located in La Jolla, California. It is part of the University of California system, which includes 10 campuses across the state.
Ques: What are the 7 colleges at UC San Diego?
Ans: UC San Diego comprises 7 undergraduate colleges. Each college has its own education requirements, academic support services, and housing facilities.
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University of California San Diego admissions is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 25% for UG and 27.1% for PG. International students who wish to apply for UC San Diego admissions must 3.4 GPA (89%) in high school for UG and a 3.0 GPA (85%) or above for PG. To stand a chance for UC San Diego graduate admissions, GMAT or GRE scores are highly recommended. There are no minimum score requirements for admissions. However, applicants may review the class profile to check average scores.
University of San Diego also offers MBA programs in multiple modes with varying duration. Just like most graduate programs a minimum 3.0 GPA (85%) is required for UC San Diego MBA. Additionally, at least 3 years of work experience and satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores will be required. The average GMAT score of recently admitted MBA students was 640. Applications for an MBA are accepted through the business school. Those applying for University of San Diego admissions in non-business courses may apply directly via the official portal.
5.1 MBA Admission Deadlines 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top 5 Programs |
PHD in Data Science | MBA | MBA in Finance | M Eng in Bioengineering | MS in Finance |
| English Proficiency Score | TOEFL IBT: 85 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| GPA | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point scale (85%) |
| Acceptance Rate | UG: 25%PG: 27.1% |
| Application Fees | UG: 95 USD (7,919 INR)PG: 155 USD (12,917 INR) |
| Documents Checklist | Transcripts | 2-3 letters of recommendation | Statement of Purpose | Resume or CV |
The University of California San Diego has an undergraduate acceptance rate of 25%. According to the latest figures, the total enrollment was 33,792, and the total number of applications received by UCSD was 135,168.
The acceptance rate for graduate admission at the University of California San Diego is 27.1%. The total number of applications received was 26,944, of which only 7,308 were admitted.
The table below highlights some of the most popular courses among international students, helping students navigate their educational journey in the University of California San Diego:
| Program Name | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | Tuition Fees (Annual) | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. in Data Science | 5-6 years | Bachelor's in related field (Computer Science, Engineering, etc.), GRE scores, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Mar 15, 2025 |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE, Professional work experience, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| MBA in Finance | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE, Strong background in finance or related field | $34,053 | Rolling Admission |
| Master of Engineering (Bioengineering) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's in Engineering/Bioengineering or related field, GRE, Statement of Purpose | $34,053 | Closed |
| Master of Finance (M.Fin) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE or GMAT, Strong mathematics and finance background | $34,053 | Rolling Admission |
| Master of Science (Bioinformatics and Systems Biology) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's in Biology, Computer Science, or related field, GRE, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Business Analytics) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT, Relevant background in business, data science, or analytics | $34,053 | Mar 15, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Clinical Research) | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE, Clinical experience or background in related health field | $34,053 | Mar 19, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Computer Science and Engineering) | 2 years | Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, GRE, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose | $27,864 | Sep 4, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Data Science) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT, Strong math and programming background | $37,730 | May 7, 2025 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] in Computer Science | 4 years | High school diploma or equivalent, SAT/ACT scores, Strong background in mathematics and science | $53,874 | November 30, 2024 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] in Environmental Engineering | 4 years | High school diploma or equivalent, SAT/ACT scores, Background in environmental science or related field | $53,874 | November 30, 2024 |
University of California San Diego offers 100+ graduate programs across 11 schools. The graduate programs at UC San Diego are available with on-site and online delivery modes. Below are the basic admission requirements for graduate courses which may vary for top programs:
Application Portal: UC San Diego Graduate Application
Application Fees: 155 USD (12,917 INR)
Admission Requirements:
Rady School of Management offers the University of California San Diego MBA. There are multiple MBA programs available including full-time MBA, EMBA, and Flex MBA. International applicants may apply for either of the MBA programs in 3 rounds every year.
Application Portal: Rady School of Management Application
Application Fees: 200 USD (16,667 INR)
Admission Requirements:
The MBA program at the University begins on August 26, 2025, for the Fall term. Here are the application deadlines for Fall 2025:
| Application Round | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Round 2 | Nov 15, 2025 |
| Round 3 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Round 4 | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Enrollment Details | |
|---|---|
| Total Students Admitted | 38 |
| Percentage of Female Students | 34% |
| Percentage of International Students | 55% |
| Average Age | 30 |
| Countries Represented | 10 |
| Academic and Professional Details | |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
| Average GPA | 3.37 |
| Mean GMAT | 640 |
| Median GMAT | 645 |
| Mean GRE Quant | 54th |
| Mean GRE Verbal | 63th |
International students may apply for undergraduate programs at UC San Diego either as first-year students or transfer applicants. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admissions nor they'll be considered for admissions. Mentioned below are the UG admission requirements for international students at UC San Diego:
Application Portal: UC Undergraduate Application
Application Fees: 95 USD (7,919 INR)
Admission Requirements:
The University of California San Diego undergraduate applications open on August 1 every year. Additionally, students should know that the deadline for 2025 admission is closed for international students and 2026 UG deadlines are tabulated below.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025 |
| FAFSA and California Dream Act Open | December |
Admission decisions for undergraduate applications at University of California San Diego will be released by Mid-March. Selected applicants will be invited to apply for a waiting list by April 15, 2025. The deadline for first-year admits to accept UC San Diego's offer of admission is May 15, 2026. The university issues admissions decisions for most graduate programs by the end of February via email.
University of California San Diego acceptance is 25% for UG and 27.1% for PG due to the highly selective admission policy. The applications are holistically reviewed during the selection process at UC San Diego. Consideration is majorly given to academic and personal factors which are as follows:
For Undergraduate Admissions:
For Graduate Admissions:
With highly competitive admissions, getting into the University of California San Diego can be tough. Prospective students must focus on preparing a strong profile based on the selection criteria. International students are also suggested to review class profiles of recent admits to prepare themselves for the competitive edge.
Ques. Is University of California San Diego hard to get into?
Ans. UC San Diego's undergraduate admission rate stands at 25%, with 33,792 students enrolled and a total of 135,168 applications received. Meanwhile, the graduate admission rate is 27.1%, with 26,944 applications received, resulting in 7,308 successful admissions.
| Level of Study | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 25% |
| Postgraduate | 27.1% |
Ques. What are the Pros and Cons of Studying at the University of California San Diego?
Ans: As per the Student Review, the Pros and Cons of Studying at the University of San Diego are listed below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The campus is big, open, and has lots of fields and food places. It’s easy to move around and feels fresh. | The quarter system makes classes move really fast. It feels like you’re always catching up. |
| The beach is very close to campus, so you can go for walks or just relax by the sea. | There’s not much of a sports culture. No big football games or the usual college energy. |
| The gym is huge and has all the workout stuff you might need. | It’s not very social on its own. You need to put in more effort to make friends. |
| Health insurance is strong. It covers both injuries and sickness without extra stress. | In some subjects like math, professors care more about their research than teaching. |
| There are fun events, especially in the fall and during music festivals. | Big class sizes in math make it harder to connect with teachers. |
| The quality of teaching and learning is really good. | The campus shuttle doesn’t go to all areas, like the center of campus. |
| The weather is nice most of the time and the area around is safe. | The wifi around campus isn’t very strong, which makes studying online harder. |
| People on campus are friendly, and it’s not too hard to find like-minded students. | The dorm check-in times don’t match well with international flight timings. |
| Some students get teaching assistant jobs or fee waivers, which helps save money. | No airport pick-up or drop-off service, which is tough for international students. |
| Freshman and sophomore students don’t get much support for internships. | |
| There isn’t much financial aid for international undergrad students. |
Ques: Is the University of California San Diego a good college?
Ans: Yes, University of California San Diego or UCSD is a public university established in 1960. University of California San Diego campus is the 7th oldest of the University of California's 10 campuses. Additionally, UCSD ranks 3rd among U.S. public universities, based on Forbes' 2023 America's Top Colleges list. Overall, UC San Diego secured the 21st spot out of 500 universities in USA, both public and private.
Ques: What is University of California San Diego known for?
Ans: The University of California San Diego is known for various programs, which are listed below:
UC-San Diego in San Diego, California, USA placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in San Diego, California, USA.
Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
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9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
+1-858-534-2230
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