The University of California (UC System) is a globally recognized system of 10 public research universities in California. The system has over 280,000 students enrolled collectively. The admissions are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates ranging 25% Popular fields of study on UC campuses are Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Life Sciences, Law, and Social Sciences. The graduation rates are approximately 85–90%, and UC graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $60,000–70,000 (INR 50–58 lakhs) per annum, based on the campus and program.
San Diego's University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic institution with around 8,600 students. It focuses on liberal arts, business, law, and international relations. Admissions are fairly selective, with the acceptance rate being close to 47%. USD has a good six-year graduation rate of around 82%, while its graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $55,000–60,000 (INR 46–50 lakhs) per year.
| University of California | University of San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 7.3 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 47 Times Higher Education 2026 # 66 QS World University 2026 # 33 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 1201 QS World University 2026 # 1201 QS World University 2025 # 98 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 10 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 28 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 22 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 57 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -23 PG Programs -31 Doctorate Programs -5 | UG Programs -36 PG Programs -23 Doctorate Programs -2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0 % | 47.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 GMAT-510 GRE-213 IELTS-7 PTE-65 SAT-1210 TOEFL-85 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1180 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 29754 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32487 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 31502 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 57924 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 51748 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 30207 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability ranks (2020)- #121-130. | 90.6% of 2021–22 graduates are employed, in graduate school, or participating in full-time volunteer service. 86.2% of 2021–22 graduates received their first full-time job offer within three months of graduating. The salary of the graduates is as follows: $66,477 Average; $65,000 Median and $15,000–$300,000 Salary Range. The top employers of the graduates include |
| application requirements | GPA: 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (B grade or 83-86%). Fulfill core subject requirements. Personal insight questions must be submitted. | Submit official transcripts Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 is required Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 9 reviews | 7.0/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 35 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 68 for Business by US News 2025 # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 108 for Business by US News 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 665/800IELTS - 7/9PTE - 65/90TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 83/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -34430 |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) Oct 1, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake) | Nov 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake Round 1) Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake Round 2) Mar 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake Round 3) Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake Round 4) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of California | University of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1960 | 1949 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 14:1 |
| Male:Female | 51% Male, 49% Female | 46% Male, 54% Female |
| Location Facts | Located in the heart of La Jolla’s coastal woodland, UCSD lies near to the Pacific Ocean. The campus sits on the native land of Kumeyaay Nation. The campus is bordered by Torrey Pines, University lands, and La Jolla shores. | The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university in San Diego, California. The campus is located approximately two miles north of downtown San Diego, on the north crest of Mission Valley in the community of Linda Vista. |
| Library | The library collection offers over 7 million digital and print media resources. Collections are categorized into three- special, digital, and notable all serving different purposes. Special Collection includes Dr. Suess Collection and Oceanography archives of UCSD and Scripps Institution. | The Copley library at the university provides access to the following resources: AVAILABLE ITEMS 179K+ E-BOOKS 116 HOURS OPEN PER WEEK 5M SAN DIEGO CIRCUIT BOOKS 187 ONLINE DATABASES |
| Campus Life | There are over 500 student organizations from Greek services to Pep Band, there is no lack of opportunity. It has its own radio station KSDT Radio. Three student government bodies for helping and encouraging the freshmen. University sponsor 23 intercollegiate sports programs and has 10 sports venues/grounds. | Torero culture is vibrant, welcoming and filled with opportunities to find others who share your interests and passions. USD’s proximity to the U.S./Mexico border gives the city an international perspective, and this is one of the few places in the world where residents can experience beautiful beaches, mountains and deserts ... all in one day! First-year housing is the home of the Living Learning Community (LLC) program, where you live around other students who share similar passions. Pavilion Dining is home to an array of unique dining concepts that fuse distinct ingredients and flavors to create delicious menus in an inviting environment. Menus were developed in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. There are various other restaurants at the campus. Centers throughout campus focus on issues related to physical well-being, life away from home and mental health. The on-campus health center, counseling, disability and wellness promotion programs are available to every student, along with high-tech fitness centers, to ensure that you have the resources needed to feel healthy, safe and supported. USD is home to more than more than 180 organizations including honor societies, groups for artistic expression, multicultural engagement, philanthropic endeavors and social justice. |
| Hostel | #Residence Hall triple Room - $5013 #Residence Hall Single Room - $5860 | #On campus - $12630 #Off campus (not with family) - $13293 #Off campus (with family) - $4284 |
| Famous Alumni | Mike Jude (animator), Robert Pera (founder Ubiquiti Networks), Michael Robertson (businessman), Kim Robinson (writer), James Avery (actor), Khaled Hosseini (novelist), Jef Raskin (human-computer interface expert), Bill Atkinson (computer engineer), David E. Shaw (scientist), Gregory Benford (author), and more. | Jim Parsons, 2001 (MFA), actor, Emmy Award-winning actor for The Big Bang Theory Kris Bryant, 2011–13, baseball player for 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs Mario Testino, 1975 (BA), Peruvian fashion and portrait photographer Theo Epstein, 2000, (JD), President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs Juan Vargas, 1983 (BA), U.S. Representative for California's 51st congressional district |
| City Life | La Jolla is a paradise for sea lovers with 13 beaches and the availability of various water sports like snorkeling, diving, etc. The Torrey Pines Golf course attracts people from around the country. A rich cultural life supported by over 200 exhibitions at the La Jolla festival of arts. This city of San Diego has its own museum, music and art library, and is renowned as world’s most acclaimed center of research. The unemployment rate for San Diego is 13.9% (June 2020). | San Diego residents recognize how fortunate they are to live in an area famous for its sunny weather and impressive beaches. But there is much more to this Southern California beach city than initially meets the eye. Lifestyles vary depending on whether you seek a beach, or an urban or suburban environment. Regardless, residents do not want for things to do, ranging from outdoor activities to museums to entertainment venues. San Diego offers world-class dining, professional sports and entertainment options typical of a large metro area, but the patchwork of distinct neighborhoods fosters strong community ties. Residents gather at festivals and farmers markets, meet friends at beaches and parks, and regularly bump into friends and acquaintances at local bars and restaurants. Living in San Diego is not particularly affordable. Home prices are considerably higher than the national median sale price. Additionally, many living in the downtown area have to pay homeowners association fees, used to maintain common areas in apartment and condominium complexes. |
| Weather |
University of California vs University of San Diego
Topic Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of California (UC system) comprises highly ranked campuses,Ranked among 66 in QS 2026 and 34 in THE 2026. UC campuses are ranked highly in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic university, placed around 1201-1400 in QS 2026 and 601-800 in THE 2026 rankings, with regional strengths in Business, Law, International Relations, and Liberal Arts.
General Information
The UC system, established in 1868, is California's system of public research universities with 10 campuses and more than 280,000 students. Each UC campus specializes in a different area and has international renown, particularly Berkeley and UCLA as global leaders. USD, established in 1949 in San Diego, California, is a smaller private university with ~9,000 students, renowned for its liberal arts foundation, Catholic tradition, and individualized education.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
University of California, San Diego accept approximately 25%. USD accepts about 47%, thus being moderately selective based on academic record, extracurricular activities, and its mission fit.
Research Impact & Facilities
UC campuses are R1 research universities, generating world-influencing research in STEM, business, and humanities, with billions of dollars in annual research expenditures and state-of-the-art facilities. USD is teaching-oriented, with smaller-scale research, particularly in law, international studies, business, and sustainability, and prioritizes student-centered learning rather than large-scale research.
Cost & Financial Aid
UC costs differ: ~$14,000 a year for in-state and ~$46,000 for out-of-state undergrads, with strong aid for Californians. USD, being a private institution, is about $56,000 a year, but also provides need-based and merit scholarships that can cover costs.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UC graduates are world-renowned in fields of STEM, business, law, politics, and academe, backed by extensive alumni networks and high employer demand. USD graduates excel in law, business, international relations, and education with solid ties in California and nonprofit/public industries.
