Founded in 1960, University of California-San Diego. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 28,127 full time undergraduate students, and 6,852 full time graduate students.
The University of California-San Diego Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 1253 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-San Diego include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
35%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
1170-1450
ACT Range
27-33
Admissions at UCSD are considered More Selective, with ,68% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 7 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 100% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-San Diego.
300 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
249 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
321 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
322 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
322 Students rated class size 3.2 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
321 Students rated school activities 3.6 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
321 Students rated local services 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
323 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of California-San Diego REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of California-San Diego?
182 Students rated University of California-San Diego
Nadia
Prospective04/30/2025
UC San Diego’s commitment to equity, interdisciplinary thinking, and research perfectly aligns with who I am and who I hope to become. As someone passionate about becoming a physician, I’m drawn to the Human Biology major and the collaborative, problem-solving environment UCSD fosters. I want to explore the intersections between biology, communication, and public health, and UCSD offers that flexibility through programs like PATHS and opportunities for early lab access and mentorship. I also value that Seventh College challenges students to reimagine the world through innovation and community impact. UC San Diego isn’t just a place where I can grow academically. It’s where I can keep pushing forward, contribute to meaningful research, and stay grounded in my mission to serve underrepresented communities in healthcare.
Greta
Prospective04/30/2025
I liked the University of California-San Diego because it is set in the beautiful backdrop of coastal California, it is in an up-and-coming art scene, and it incorporates STEM into many of its artistic practices. First of all, it is obviously a beautiful campus -- UCSD has such unique architecture and it is situated right by the beach and urban San Diego, which, for an east-coast-raised girl like myself, is the stereotypically picturesque idea I have of a sunny, fun, California college. I am also choosing to major in art, and San Diego has a growing art scene that would allow me to put my foot in the door of all these new art communties in the surrounding area. Finally, UCSD is a school that focuses on lots of scientific aspects of every major, and art is no different. This combination of STEM and artistry is fascinating and intrigues me -- who would think art and science could get along? Overall, UCSD is a very well-rounded school in a beautiful location, and its prestige and strong qualities made it stand out when choosing what schools were put on the chopping block and which made it to the next round.
trinity
Prospective04/30/2025
UC San Diego stands out to me because it blends academic excellence with a collaborative, down-to-earth community. When I visited campus and even looked through photos and videos, I could sense the energy of students who are passionate and curious. That’s the kind of environment where I know I’ll thrive.
As someone devoted to acting, I’m especially excited about UCSD’s acclaimed theater program. The connection to the BFA program and opportunities to learn from innovative artists inspire me. I want to develop as an actor who not only performs but uses storytelling to spark empathy, build understanding, and create change.
I’m also drawn to how UCSD encourages interdisciplinary exploration. I can imagine combining theater with public health or community engagement to create performances that amplify important issues and underrepresented voices. The chance to turn my passions into meaningful community impact is what excites me most.
And of course, the location speaks to me; the ocean, Geisel Library, and La Jolla’s cliffs feel like the perfect area for creativity and reflection. Most of all, I want to grow in a place that values service and equity. UCSD feels like a place where I can learn, create, and give back.
Kimberly
Prospective04/29/2025
The University of California-San Diego is a very big campus with a diverse student body, which is one of the main factors as to why I want to attend this university. It is also not in the middle of San Diego, making it have its community. The University also has many research opportunities for undergraduates who want to do research. Overall, the school's campus life and academic opportunities are what drew me in.
Yair
Prospective04/29/2025
I like the campus, I have went on a field trip to UCSD and I absolutely loved the aesthetic of the campus, the modern structures of UCSD make it very appealing to me, also I like the course options.
Chopee
Prospective04/28/2025
idk jjb
Graciela
College04/27/2025
I want to attend UC San Diego because of its community and it’s academic prestige. I am highly academic lead driven, and I believe I will fit in at the University. I have also loved this location and the beauty of San Diego
SERGIO
Prospective04/27/2025
I like the campus and also the programs.
Rowan
Prospective04/27/2025
UCSD is one of the absolute best schools for any type of marine science, whether it's oceanography or marine biology, because of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. However, there are many other amazing opportunities for students to get involved, such as the events the colleges host, a wide variety of clubs, and places to get together with people. Plus, it also branches off into really neat places like La Jolla Playhouse and Birch Aquarium.
Angel
Prospective04/24/2025
UCSD stands out to me for its strong math programs, research opportunities, and chill campus vibe near the coast
Stephanie
Prospective04/24/2025
I'm interested in attending UCSD because I'm looking forward to the community and college experience! I went to Triton Days, and there's already clubs I'm looking forward to checking out and joining (such as Muir's art club and Triton Minecraft). I really hope to click with other people and make good friends, because I know it'll be really important for me to have a support system as I transition into this new environment and chapter of life.
Savo
Prospective04/22/2025
Two things that really stand out to me about UCSD is its location/campus as well as the community there. The location seems to be in an ideal place for me, as it is near the beach, and the campus itself is very well put-together; I've visited this university several times because my sister goes there. Community-wise, I really appreciate the diversity and welcoming space that is present within this school. There are a variety of welcoming spaces, including a women's center and programs and services for middle eastern people, and this is very appealing to me since I fall under both of these categories. The campus is beautiful and the programs and centers provided just make it feel like a really hospitable place, and it is truly a school I would love to attend.
Nina
Prospective04/22/2025
I am interested in attending the University of California San Diego because of the strong Academic programs, the research opportunities, diverse campus community, the beautiful location (beaches and mild climate), and career preparation/resources.
Anthonette
Prospective04/22/2025
I haven't toured UCSD yet, so I don't know about the campus culture yet. One thing that does stand out to me though is their Skaggs School of Pharmacy. I didn't know much about it, up until recently when I began looking for schools that have pharmacy programs. Other than having outstanding credentials in being #12 in the nation and #1 in the state of California, Skaggs seems to offer a lot of opportunities for their students such as residency options and research funding. Furthermore, they offer a program where you could earn your bachelor's degree and PharmD in 7 years, which is one year less than the traditional route. Their pharmacy program is one of the few that I've recognized in California.
JOSE
Prospective04/22/2025
I want to go to UC San Diego because it's a really good school and it has a lot of great programs especially in science and tech which is what i'm interested in. I like how the campus is close to the ocean and has a chill vibe but still takes academics seriously I also heard that students there are really focused and motivated and I want to be around people like that who push each other to do better ucsd also has a lot of research opportunities which I think is interesting and something I want to be part of the school just feels like a place where I can grow and do something big with my life.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-San Diego is 35%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would definately look at more college choices , even if it meant going out-of-state. I would make sure to enroll in a college-transition program, so that I'd be well prepared at the beginning of school. I would try to sit through a lecture to get a sense of what I was going to get into. Search the school for their extra-curricular activities they offer. What sports are offered there? Is their carreer center helpful/convenient? Talk to students already enrolled and get some honest answers from them; ask if they enjoy that campus. Make sure you like the location. For ex: Are you into cold/hot weather. Do you like the beach or the snow? Do you see yourself graduating from that college in particular? Do you know what you want to major/minor in? Check out the dorm-living life. Are there convenient ways of getting thorugh and out of campus? Do you like the fast-food places on campus? What type of work-study jobs are available for students? Is the college aiming to GO-GREEN? How are the students giving back to the community in general? What kind of attractions are around?
The academics are ridiculously competitive, overly stressful, and unnecessarily intense. Some professors are great, some are terrible, and some are in the middle.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Associated Students, the Student Foundation, and intervarsity are popular on campus. Our sports are not popular at all. AT ALL. Our theater department and plays are great.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
University of California San Diego is a wonderful place to learn with its calm, breezy atmosphere due to its close beaches while at the same time is challenging in its academics.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
UC San Diego is a great balance being an academically and athletically competitive school. It is the only NCAA Division II school in the nation that does not offer scholarships to athletes because the school wants to maintain its high academic standard. UC San Diego is the best fit for me in between an extremely competitive Division I athletic school and an extremely competitive Division III academic school.
The best thing about UCSD is the 6 college system. By splitting up this huge campus, more intricate relationships may form, as well as healthy competition and motivation inside the institution. There is a place for everybody.
Someone who is dedicated. If you think you can just sit around and do nothing because "that's what you did in high school" think again. This college is very demanding.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Students who do not like to work hard, read a very heavy load and write loads of papers. This is a tough school and you will have to focus on academics over a social life.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
My school lacks school spirit It is wonderful that we are so academically oriented, but students do not support other students doing different activities such as sports, acting, and clubs. By supporting different events around campus, it would create a more unified and encouraging environment. A large increase in school spirit and support for students representing the school would make my experience at UC San Diego so much better.
The dorms differ depending on what college you're situated at.
ERC - some of the newest dorms are here so they're the nicest. The rooms are nice and spacious probably 10x15 for most of them. Everything is a kind of cream color, furniture is pretty sufficient, and each floor has a common room. Depending on if you're in a school dorm or apartment, there's one kitchen per building and the latter one kitchen per apartment. The quad is oval shaped so everyone is facing each other and I think the set up of things makes ERC feel the most like a community because everyone leaves their doors open too.
Transfer housing - it's the newest and the nicest. There's actually some color there - cream, green, and grey. They have a lot of really high tech stuff, too.
The rest I can't really say much about because I've never been there, but I can give you the typical opinions.
Marshall - the most realistic apartment housing
Muir - best known for it's view and themed housing
Revelle - worst housing because it's super small, but they're building new dorms so they should be REALLY nice from what I've seen
Warren - normal?
Sixth - if you like camping, then you should hopefully like these dorms because they're fashioned after log cabins.
UCSD is an excellent school, academically (especially for Aerospace, my major, for which there are many companies nearby), has plenty to do outside of the classroom, has a thriving automotive club (Formula SAE) that I participate in, and my older brother is studying for his MBA here and my sister in law is finishing her undergraduate studies as well.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
56% of students attending University of California-San Diego receive some sort of financial aid.
26% were awarded federal grants.32%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.