Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs University of California-San Diego
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 11
- 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, University of California-San Diego delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 19% more than University of California-San Diego
California-San Diego
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $30,043 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over University of California-San Diego. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $84,943.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $12,470 vs $42,513.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 87% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%.
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 $30,043 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $120,172 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $84,943 at University of California-San Diego. That is a 19% 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 19% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of California-San Diego saves about $30,043 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $16,310 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
Full Data Breakdown
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 Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
California-San Diego
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,943 at University of California-San Diego.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 80%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. 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 Rose-Hulman Technology 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.
