Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-San Diego vs University of Georgia
- California-San Diego Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 19
- Georgia Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Georgia achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $13,936 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470. 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California-San Diego
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than University of Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $1,466 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
Georgia
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-San Diego graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (19% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 Georgia. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of California-San Diego over University of Georgia. Net price $12,470 vs $13,936.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-San Diego and University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia takes 38%.
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 $1,466 a year below University of Georgia's $13,936. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,864 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 24% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% 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.
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-San Diego concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Social Sciences, while University of Georgia leans toward Business & Marketing, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-San Diego has less business program depth, and University of Georgia offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,500, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Georgia is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-San Diego's top program is Biology (19% of enrollment), while Georgia leads with Business Administration (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-San Diego is strongest in Engineering, Social Sciences, while University of Georgia concentrates in Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 University of California-San Diego or University of Georgia?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 38% at University of Georgia.
Which is more affordable, University of California-San Diego or University of Georgia?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $13,936 at University of Georgia.
Do University of California-San Diego or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-San Diego or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 87%.
Should you choose University of California-San Diego or University of Georgia?
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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