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Colleges › California › University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as UCSD, UC San Diego

University of California, San Diego accepts 27% of applicants. It is a public university in La Jolla, California, with about 34,948 undergraduates. The sticker price is $36,969 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,794.

27%Acceptance rate
1280–1490Middle 50% SAT
27–34Middle 50% ACT
$14,794Average cost after aid / year
86%Graduation rate
$67,904Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for UCSD?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 44% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of California, San Diego by GPA

University of California, San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPACalifornia residentOut-of-state
3.01% Reach1% Reach
3.33% Reach1% Reach
3.57% Reach2% Reach
3.716% Reach5% Reach
3.933% Target13% Reach
4.044% Target19% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at University of California, San Diego

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $36,969 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$9,200$41,200
$50k – $100k$12,100$44,100
$100k – $150k$17,200$49,200
$150k – $250k$34,900$66,900
Over $250k$36,969$70,100

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

86%Finish their degree
94%Return for second year
$67,904Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of California, San Diego

What is the acceptance rate at University of California, San Diego?

University of California, San Diego admits 27% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of California, San Diego?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 44% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of California, San Diego?

University of California, San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores.

How much does University of California, San Diego cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $36,969 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,794 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,200 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of California, San Diego?

86% of students finish their degree, and 94% return for a second year.

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