UC San Diego
University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, California · Public
UC San Diego admitted 29% of 136,750 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 88% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at UC San Diego
Enter a score to see whether UC San Diego is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (29%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
UC San Diego doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
36,709 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 25,411 took it, and 5,284 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How UC San Diego rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
Important
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- State residency
- Volunteering
Considered
- Class rank
- First generation
- Where you live
- Work experience
Not considered
- Test scores
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Legacy
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.88 GPA. 100% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $38,505 in-state and $69,282 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $13,293 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
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