Head-to-Head Comparison
Syracuse University vs University of California-San Diego
- Syracuse Wins
- 5
- Tied
- 17
- California-San Diego Wins
- 28
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 Syracuse University's $38,793, 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.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Syracuse
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-San Diego
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $26,323 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?
Syracuse graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (13% 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Syracuse University. Net price $12,470 vs $38,793.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Syracuse University. 87% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Syracuse University and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Syracuse University takes 46%.
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 $26,323 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $105,292 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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.
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. Syracuse University concentrates enrollment in Communications, 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 $38,793 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Syracuse University's 15,477.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-San Diego offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse 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) 2 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
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
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
University of California-San Diego is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Syracuse's top program is Sociology (13% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Syracuse University is strongest in Communications, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, 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 Syracuse University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Syracuse 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 $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Syracuse 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Syracuse University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 82%.
Should you choose Syracuse 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. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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