Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs University of California-San Diego
- Brigham Young Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 14
- California-San Diego Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,470 vs Brigham Young University's $15,564, University of California-San Diego delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of California-San Diego benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,943 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
California-San Diego
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than Brigham Young University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $3,094 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); California-San Diego in Biology & Biomedical (19%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of California-San Diego over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Brigham Young University. Net price $12,470 vs $15,564.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Brigham Young University. 87% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-San Diego is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-San Diego sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of California-San Diego comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,470, about $3,094 a year below Brigham Young University's $15,564. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $15,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $12,376 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-San Diego leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates report median earnings of $84,943, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of California-San Diego graduates a larger share of its students, 87% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-San Diego to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $15,564 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,500, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-San Diego has less business program depth, and Brigham Young University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brigham Young holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at California-San Diego — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.
Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Brigham Young University and University of California-San Diego appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Large Universities, Brigham Young University ranks #3 — Brigham Young University outranks University of California-San Diego by 15 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $15,564 at Brigham Young University.
Do Brigham Young University or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 82%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or University of California-San Diego?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-San Diego if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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