Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-San Diego vs Wellesley College
- California-San Diego Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 18
- Wellesley Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Wellesley College achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,496 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470. 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.
50 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, 0% more than Wellesley College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $13,026 a year less
Wellesley
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-San Diego graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (19% of degrees); Wellesley in Social Sciences (23%). 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 Wellesley College. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $84,803.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Wellesley College. Net price $12,470 vs $25,496.
Pick Wellesley College over University of California-San Diego. 91% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-San Diego and Wellesley College are close on paper, but Wellesley College 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
Wellesley College is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while University of California-San Diego takes 27%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Wellesley College 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 $13,026 a year below Wellesley College's $25,496. Graduates of Wellesley College also borrow less: median debt of $10,000, against $15,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,104 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 $84,803 at Wellesley College. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Wellesley College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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
Wellesley College graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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-San Diego concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Wellesley College leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,500, against $10,000 at Wellesley College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-San Diego's enrollment, and Wellesley College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Wellesley College's 2,300.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,496 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wellesley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at California-San Diego — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Wellesley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-San Diego 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) 6 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
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.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.
After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.
When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.
Rankings They Appear On
Wellesley College is featured on the Best Liberal Arts Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-San Diego's top program is Biology (19% of enrollment), while Wellesley leads with Sociology (23%).
California-San Diego
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wellesley).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-San Diego is strongest in Engineering, Psychology, while Wellesley College concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Physical Sciences. 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 Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego.
Which is more affordable, University of California-San Diego or Wellesley College?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $25,496 at Wellesley College.
Do University of California-San Diego or Wellesley College graduates earn more?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,803 at Wellesley College.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-San Diego or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 87%.
Should you choose University of California-San Diego or Wellesley College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-San Diego if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Wellesley College 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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