San Diego State University vs University of California, Irvine

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CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

SDSU vs UCI Introduction

In this article, we will compare two well-known universities in California – San Diego State University (SDSU) and University of California, Irvine (UCI). We will delve into various aspects of these institutions, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and rankings, to help you make an informed decision about which university best suits your needs.

SDSU Overview

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Established in 1897, it is the third-oldest institution in the California State University system. SDSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, with notable strengths in business, engineering, and health sciences.

SDSU Costs & Tuition

The cost of attendance at SDSU varies depending on the student’s residency status. For California residents, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are $7,720. Out-of-state students can expect to pay an additional non-resident fee of $11,880, bringing the total to $19,600 per year. These figures do not include housing, meals, books, and other expenses.

SDSU Admissions

Admissions at SDSU are competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 34% in 2020. The university considers several factors for admission, including GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.7, while the average SAT score is 1210.

SDSU Degrees Offered

SDSU offers more than 160 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as over 100 graduate programs, including master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Some popular majors at SDSU include business administration, psychology, criminal justice, and health sciences.

SDSU Academics

The faculty at SDSU is known for its research and expertise in various fields. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 27:1, which allows for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. SDSU also offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs for students to enhance their academic experience.

SDSU Diversity

SDSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its student body, faculty, and staff. The university has a diverse student population, with students from over 90 countries and various ethnic backgrounds.

SDSU Students

More than 35,000 students are enrolled at SDSU, including over 30,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The university has a vibrant campus life, with more than 300 student clubs and organizations, various sports teams, and numerous events throughout the year.

SDSU Campus

The SDSU campus spans 288 acres in San Diego, offering a beautiful setting with modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Students have access to numerous resources, including libraries, research centers, and recreational facilities.

SDSU Alumni

SDSU has a strong alumni network, with more than 300,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Gregory Peck, Marion Ross, and Tony Gwynn.

SDSU Rankings

SDSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, SDSU was ranked #143 in National Universities and #68 in Top Public Schools.

SDSU Outcomes

Graduates of SDSU have a strong track record of success, with a 73% six-year graduation rate. The university also boasts a 94% career placement rate within six months of graduation.

UCI Overview

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a public research university located in Irvine, California. Founded in 1965, it is one of the ten campuses in the University of California system. UCI is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in the fields of engineering, computer science, and social sciences.

UCI Costs & Tuition

Tuition and fees at UCI vary depending on the student’s residency status. For California residents, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are $13,932. Out-of-state students can expect to pay an additional non-resident fee of $29,754, bringing the total to $43,686 per year. These figures do not include housing, meals, books, and other expenses.

UCI Admissions

Admissions at UCI are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 29% in 2020. The university considers various factors for admission, including GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 4.11, while the average SAT score is 1310.

UCI Degrees Offered

UCI offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 70 graduate and professional degree programs across various fields. Some popular majors at UCI include computer science, biology, business administration, and psychology.

UCI Academics

UCI is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. UCI also provides numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs for students to enhance their academic experience.

UCI Diversity

UCI is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its student body, faculty, and staff. The university has a diverse student population, with students from over 100 countries and various ethnic backgrounds.

UCI Students

Over 36,000 students are enrolled at UCI, including more than 30,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. The university has a vibrant campus life, with more than 650 student clubs and organizations, various sports teams, and numerous events throughout the year.

UCI Campus

The UCI campus spans 1,525 acres in Irvine, offering a beautiful setting with modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Students have access to numerous resources, including libraries, research centers, and recreational facilities.

UCI Alumni

UCI has a strong alumni network, with more than 190,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Jon Lovett, Steve Aoki, and Michael Chabon.

UCI Rankings

UCI is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, UCI was ranked #35 in National Universities and #9 in Top Public Schools.

UCI Outcomes

Graduates of UCI have a strong track record of success, with a 86% six-year graduation rate. The university also boasts a 94% career placement rate within six months of graduation.

SDSU vs UCI Cost Comparison

The cost of attending SDSU and UCI differs significantly, with UCI having higher tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state students at SDSU can expect to pay $7,720 in tuition and fees, while those at UCI will pay $13,932. Out-of-state students at SDSU will pay $19,600, and those at UCI will pay $43,686. It is essential to consider additional expenses, such as housing, meals, and books, when comparing the overall cost of attending each university.

SDSU vs UCI Admissions Difficulty

Both SDSU and UCI have competitive admissions processes, with UCI being slightly more selective than SDSU. The acceptance rate at SDSU is approximately 34%, while UCI has an acceptance rate of around 29%. The average high school GPA and SAT scores of admitted students are also higher at UCI compared to SDSU.

SDSU vs UCI Academic Difficulty

Both universities have rigorous academic programs, with UCI being more renowned for its research and focus on engineering and computer science. The student-faculty ratio at UCI is 18:1, compared to 27:1 at SDSU, indicating that students at UCI may receive more individualized attention from faculty.

SDSU vs UCI Outcome Comparison

Both SDSU and UCI have high graduation rates and career placement rates, with UCI having a slightly higher six-year graduation rate (86%) compared to SDSU (73%). Both universities have a 94% career placement rate within six months of graduation.

In conclusion, both San Diego State University and the University of California, Irvine, offer excellent academic programs, diverse student populations, and a vibrant campus life. While the cost and admissions difficulty vary between the two institutions, they both have high graduation rates and strong career outcomes for their graduates. Ultimately, the choice between SDSU and UCI will depend on factors such as academic interests, financial considerations, and personal preferences.