Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of California-San Diego
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 16
- California-San Diego Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than University of California-San Diego
California-San Diego
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $28,876 a year less
- 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?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (45% 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over University of California-San Diego. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $84,943.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $12,470 vs $41,346.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stevens 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 3 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 Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%.
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 $28,876 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $115,504 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $84,943 at University of California-San Diego. That is a 28% 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 28% 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; pick Stevens 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 $28,876 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $23,829 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. Stevens 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, 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 Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stevens Technology holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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
Stevens Institute of Technology is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Stevens Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (45% 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 Stevens Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, Mathematics & Statistics, 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 Stevens 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 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Stevens 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 $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,943 at University of California-San Diego.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of California-San Diego?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Should you choose Stevens 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 Stevens 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.
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