Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs University of California-San Diego
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
- Georgia Technology-Main Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 20
- California-San Diego Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,116 vs University of California-San Diego's $12,470, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $102,772 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgia Technology-Main
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, 21% more than University of California-San Diego
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,116, roughly $354 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-San Diego
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgia Technology-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (42% 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 Georgia Institute of Technology over University of California-San Diego. Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment vs $84,943.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over University of California-San Diego. Net price $12,116 vs $12,470.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over University of California-San Diego. 93% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgia Institute of Technology and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but Georgia Institute of Technology 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
Georgia Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while University of California-San Diego takes 27%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Georgia Institute of Technology 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, Georgia Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,116, about $354 a year below University of California-San Diego's $12,470. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $21,672.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,416 before any change in aid. Choosing Georgia Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $102,772, compared with $84,943 at University of California-San Diego. That is a 21% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 21% 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
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 Georgia Institute of Technology 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. Georgia Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,672, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-San Diego's enrollment, and Georgia Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Georgia Institute of Technology's 18,785.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia Technology-Main holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Georgia Institute of Technology has an impressive graduation rate of 93%, showcasing its commitment to student success. This high rate indicates that most students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, a critical factor for anyone considering their future at this institution.
Graduates from Georgia Tech see significant financial returns, earning a median salary of $102,772 a decade after finishing their degrees. This strong earning potential underscores the effectiveness of the education provided, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science. The school plays an important role in enhancing economic mobility, although specific rates for low-income students are not available.
With a net price of $12,116 and a median debt of $21,672, Georgia Tech presents a financially manageable option for many students. Those who thrive here are typically driven, with a focus on STEM fields, and come from diverse backgrounds. The competitive acceptance rate of 14% reflects the school's selectivity, attracting students who are ready to engage in rigorous academic challenges.
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
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and University of California-San Diego appear together in 3 rankings. On the Best Public Universities, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ranks #1 — Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus outranks University of California-San Diego by 29 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgia Technology-Main's top program is Mechanical Engineering (42% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
Georgia Technology-Main
California-San Diego
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Georgia Technology-Main) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgia Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, 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 Georgia Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
Georgia Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego.
Which is more affordable, Georgia Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
Georgia Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,116 after aid versus $12,470 at University of California-San Diego.
Do Georgia Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,943 at University of California-San Diego.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgia Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
Georgia Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 87%.
Should you choose Georgia Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Georgia Institute of Technology 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Georgia Technology-Main and California-San Diego stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
