UC San Diego Acceptance Rate
UC San Diego at a Glance
UC San Diego Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #33 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #53 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #34 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #18 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #39 | #44 | #42 | #41 | #37 | #35 | #34 | #34 | #28 | #33 |
US News National Universities: #39 (2016) → #33 (2025) ↑ 6 spots
UC San Diego Admissions Overview
University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA with 44,050 students. The 24.5% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Multidisciplinary, and Social Sciences.
| Full Name | University of California-San Diego |
| Location | La Jolla, CA 92093 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucsd.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 44,050 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 34,808 |
| Female Students | 52.2% |
Is UC San Diego a Reach, Match, or Safety?
UC San Diego accepts 24.5% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
| Your Profile | UC San Diego Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
UC San Diego True Cost by Family Income
33% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UCSD enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $7,525 | $30,100 |
| $30-48k | $8,155 | $32,620 |
| $48-75k | $9,942 | $39,768 |
| $75-110k | $15,199 | $60,796 |
| $110k+ | $28,785 | $115,140 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $17,198 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $38,701 |
Want to see how UC San Diego stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at UC San Diego
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC San Diego
UCSD is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
What UC San Diego Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Important |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at UC San Diego by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
UC San Diego Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC San Diego UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
See UC San Diego alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC San Diego
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC San Diego is not affiliated with NextColleges.