Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs University of California-San Diego
- New York Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 18
- California-San Diego Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-San Diego's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-San Diego
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $24,580 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 New York University. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick University of California-San Diego over New York University. Net price $12,470 vs $37,050.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while University of California-San Diego takes 27%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York University 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 $24,580 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $98,320 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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.
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. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
No strong negative signals — California-San Diego competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at California-San Diego — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-San Diego does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
New York University is featured on the Best MBA Programs for General Management ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 New York) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, 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 New York University or University of California-San Diego?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego.
Which is more affordable, New York 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 $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York 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 $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or University of California-San Diego?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Should you choose New York 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; choose New York University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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