Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Los Angeles vs University of California-San Diego
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 6
- California-San Diego Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of California-Los Angeles achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $12,548 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of California-San Diego benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,943 at ten years.
39 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California-Los Angeles
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- 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 University of California-Los Angeles
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $78 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-Los Angeles graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% 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 University of California-Los Angeles. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $82,511.
Pick University of California-San Diego over University of California-Los Angeles. Net price $12,470 vs $12,548.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over University of California-San Diego. 93% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Los Angeles and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles 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, University of California-Los Angeles 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 $78 a year below University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $15,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $312 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 $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.18x.
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.
Finishing the degree
University of California-Los Angeles graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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. University of California-Los Angeles concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- 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
California-Los Angeles holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% 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 1 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 2 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
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.
Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.
Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.
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-Los Angeles and University of California-San Diego appear together in 10 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in California, University of California-San Diego ranks #7 — University of California-San Diego outranks University of California-Los Angeles by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
California-Los Angeles's top program is Sociology (25% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
California-Los Angeles
California-San Diego
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
California-Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Los Angeles or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Los Angeles 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 $12,548 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Do University of California-Los Angeles 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 $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Los Angeles or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 87%.
Should you choose University of California-Los Angeles 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 University of California-Los Angeles 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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How do California-Los Angeles 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.
