Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Brown University vs University of California-San Diego

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

20
Brown Wins
16
Tied / N/A
10
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Far West
7,226
Enrollment
34,948
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
27%
1546
SAT Average
N/A
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1510-1580
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,412
In-State Tuition
$16,758
$71,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,958
$25,184
Average Net Price
$12,470
$-420
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,525
$2,031
Net Price ($30-48K)
$8,155
$5,858
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,942
$44,937
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,785
14%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
21%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
87%
99%
Retention Rate
94%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$17,839
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,117
17%
First-Gen Students
40%

Student Body

54%
Female
52%
33%
White
17%
12%
Hispanic
27%
8%
Black
2%
23%
Asian
35%
0.80
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$79,131
Earnings (6yr)
$65,669
$84,208
Earnings (8yr)
$77,893
$93,487
Earnings (10yr)
$84,943
$11,428
Median Debt
$15,500
0.12x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
79%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

136.36%
Mobility Rate
N/A
1187.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
1148.8%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$67,800
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
13.3%
Volunteering Rate
12.1%

Research (Times HE)

#55
World Rank
N/A
59.7
Teaching Score
N/A
57
Research Score
N/A
77.7
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $93,487 earnings $25,184 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.

After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.

When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

27% accept 87% grad $84,943 earnings $12,470 net

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.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad