Is University of California-San Diego worth it?

La Jolla, CA · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $12,470 a year after aid, graduate with $15,500 in federal debt, and earn $65,669 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $166, with a debt break-even of about 2.4 years.

Net price / year

$12,470

Admission rate

27%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$15,500

Earnings (6 yr)

$65,669

Earnings (10 yr)

$84,943

Est. monthly loan payment

$166

Loan-to-income ratio

24%

Debt break-even

2.4 years

How University of California-San Diego compares

MetricUniversity of California-San DiegoCaliforniaNational
Net price$12,470$18,742$16,642
Median debt$15,500$10,028$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$65,669$33,633$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend University of California-San Diego?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,470 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do University of California-San Diego graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at University of California-San Diego leave with a median federal debt of $15,500, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do University of California-San Diego graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $65,669, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at University of California-San Diego?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is University of California-San Diego worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 2.4 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.