UCSD
University of California - San Diego
9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, United StatesAll photos (10)
Overview of University of California - San Diego (UCSD)
About this school
UC San Diego, founded in 1959, is a public, comprehensive university. Its 1,976-acre campus is located in La Jolla, 12 miles north of San Diego.
- www.ucsd.edu/
Website
Coeducational
Co-ed
Graduate Students
7,185
Institution Type
Public
Undergraduate Students
- Undergraduate Students:28,587
- Men:14,505 Men (50.7%)
- Women:14,082 Women (49.3%)
Location
Admission Information (UCSD)
Freshman Admission Requirements
Difficulty of Admission
Admission to University of California, San Diego is very difficult: more than 50% of freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1230 on the SAT I or over 26 on the ACT; about 60% or fewer of all applicants accepted.
High School Preparation
- High School Graduation:
High school diploma required and GED is accepted
- High School Program:
College preparatory program is required
Required Or Recomended High School Units
| Subject | Required Units | Recommended Units |
|---|---|---|
English | 4 | - |
Mathematics | 3 | 4 |
Science | 2 | 3 |
Foreign Language | 2 | 3 |
Social Studies | - | - |
History | 2 | - |
Academic Electives | 1 | - |
Examinations Required
| Exam | Required | Scores Due Date |
|---|---|---|
SAT or ACT | - | - |
SAT Only | - | - |
ACT Only | - | - |
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT | Required | January 15 |
SAT Subject Tests Only | - | - |
| Essay/Test | Status | Scores Due Date |
|---|---|---|
SAT Essay Component Policy | Not Reported | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | Writing component required | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | SAT: No policy as of now ACT: Used for admission |
Admission Details
Admissions Office
Address | 9500 Gilman Drive |
City, State, Zip | La Jolla, CA 92093 |
Phone | (858) 534-4831 |
Fax | - |
Email |
Application Dates And Fees
Regular Admission Deadline | November 30 |
Application Fee | $70 |
Application Fee Waiver | Available |
Regular Admission Notification | March 31 |
Accept Offer Of Admission | May 1 |
Waiting List Used | No |
Defer Admission | Student cannot defer admission |
Transfer Admission | Transfer applications accepted |
Early Admission
Early Decision Offered | No |
Early Decision Deadline | - |
Early Decision Notification | - |
Early Action Offered | No |
Early Action Deadline | - |
Early Action Notification | - |
Application Form
Common Application | Not accepted |
Universal College Application | Not accepted |
Electronic Application |
Other Application Requirements
Interview | Not Required |
Essay Or Personal Statement | Required for all freshmen |
Letters Of Recommendation | - |
Other | - |
Financial Need | Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process |
Selection of Students
Factors involed in acceptance process.
4 star = most important, 1 star = least important.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
Rigor of Secondary School Record | |
Academic GPA | |
Standardized Tests | |
Class Rank | |
Recommendations | |
Essay | |
Interview | |
Level of Applicant's Interest | |
Extracurricular Activities | |
Volunteer Work | |
Particular Talent/Ability | |
Character/Personal Qualities | |
First Generation to Attend College | |
State Residency | |
Geographic Residence | |
Relation with Alumnus | |
Religious Affiliation/Commitment | |
Ethnicity | |
Work Experience |
Profile of Fall Admission
Overall Admission Rate
Overall Admission Rate | 34% of 88,428 applicants were admitted |
Women | 16231 applicants were admitted |
Men | 13981 applicants were admitted |
Students Enrolled
Students Enrolled | 8,539 (28%) of 30,212 admitted students enrolled |
Women | 4,403 (27%) of 16,231 admitted students enrolled |
Men | 4,136 (30%) of 13,981 admitted students enrolled |
Grade Point Average of Enrolled First-Year Students
Average GPA | 4.08 |
375 And Above | 80% |
3.50 - 3.74 | 16% |
3.25 - 3.49 | 4% |
3.00 - 3.24 | - |
2.50 - 2.99 | - |
2.00 - 2.49 | - |
SAT Score of Enrolled First-Year Students
Sat Math | 652 average |590-720 range of middle 50% |
• Score 700 - 800 | 35% |
• Score 600 - 700 | 40% |
• Score 500 - 600 | 19% |
• Score 400 - 500 | 5% |
• Score 300 - 400 | 1% |
• Score 200 - 300 | 0% |
• Score 700 - 800 | 15% |
• Score 600 - 700 | 39% |
• Score 500 - 600 | 33% |
• Score 400 - 500 | 12% |
• Score 300 - 400 | 1% |
• Score 200 - 300 | 0% |
ACT Scores of Enrolled First-Year Students
Act Composite | 29 average |26-32 range of middle 50% |
• Score 30 - 36 | 52% |
• Score 24 - 29 | 35% |
• Score 18 - 23 | 12% |
• Score 12 - 17 | 1% |
• Score 6 - 11 | 0% |
• Score 5 Or Below | 0% |
Tuition & Financial Aid (UCSD)
Tuition & Expenses
Cost of Attendance
- Books & Supplies: - In-state: $14,050|Out-of-state: $42,064 (51.36%)
- Room & Board: - $13,307 (48.64%)
- Other Expenses: - Not reported
- Tuition & Fees: - Not reported
Books & Supplies
Room & Board
Other Expenses
Tuition & Fees
Payment Plans
University of California, San Diego accepts
Applying for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
Email | |
Website | |
Net Price Calculator Url |
Application Process
Application Deadline | Priority deadline March 2 |
Award Notification Date | On a rolling basis beginning March 15 |
Methodology For Awarding Institutional Aid | Federal and Institutional Methodologies |
Forms Required
| Forms Required | Filing Cost |
|---|---|
FAFSA| Code is 001317 | Free |
State Aid Form | - |
Profile of 2017-18 Financial Aid
First-Year Student
Financial Aid Applicants | 4,271 (75.0%) of freshmen |
Found To Have Financial Need | 3,446 (80.7%) of applicants |
Received Financial Aid | 3,236 (93.9%) of applicants with financial need |
Need Fully Met | 1,158 (35.8%) of aid recipients |
Average Percent Of Need Met | 88% |
Average Award | $24,736 |
• Need-Based Gift | Received by 3,141 (97.1%) of aid recipients, average amount $20,567 |
• Need-Based Self-Help | Received by 2,460 (76.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $6,063 |
• Merit Based Gift | Received by 87 (2.7%) of aid recipients |
Merit Based Gift | 75 (1.3%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $10,784 |
All Undergraduates
Financial Aid Applicants | 17,846 (64.0%) of undergraduates |
Found To Have Financial Need | 15,843 (88.8%) of applicants |
Received Financial Aid | 15,373 (97.0%) of applicants with financial need |
Need Fully Met | 6,460 (42.0%) of aid recipients |
Average Percent Of Need Met | 88% |
Average Award | $24,288 |
• Need-Based Gift | Received by 14,920 (97.1%) of aid recipients, average amount $19,929 |
• Need-Based Self-Help | Received by 11,502 (74.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $6,495 |
• Merit Based Gift | Received by 231 (1.5%) of aid recipients |
Merit Based Gift | 542 (1.9%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $11,855 |
Borrowing
2016 Graduates with Loans | 48% |
Average Indebtedness Of 2016 Graduates | $21,430 |
Parents Of Students Receiving Aid | Not reported |
Parents Of Students Not Receiving Aid | Not reported |
Financial Aid Programs
Scholarchips And Grants
Need Based Available | Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships, TEACH Grants |
Non Need Based Available | None |
Non-Need Awards
Academic Interest/Achievement | Biological Sciences, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Engineering/Technologies, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Premedicine, Social Sciences |
Creative Arts/Performance | Applied Art and Design, Cinema/Film/Broadcasting, Dance, Journalism/Publications, Music, Performing Arts, Theater/Drama |
Special Achievements/Activities | Community Service, Leadership |
Special Characteristics | Ethnic Background, First-Generation College Students, Handicapped Students, Members of Minorities, Veterans' Children |
Employment
Work-Study Programs | Federal work study available, other work study available |
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment | Not reported |
Academics & Instruction (UCSD)
Academics Overview
Academic Calendar System
Quarter
Summer Session
Offered
Graduation Requirements
General Education/Core Cirriculum
Required
Computer
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Not required
Math/Science
Required for all students
Faculty & Instruction
Full-Time Faculty
1,123
Part-Time Faculty
225
Full-Time Faculty With Ph.D./Terminal Degree
82%
Regular Class Size
- 2-9 students: - 12% of classes
- 10-19 students: - 32% of classes
- 20-29 students: - 14% of classes
- 30-39 students: - 8% of classes
- 40-49 students: - 4% of classes
- 50-99 students: - 11% of classes
- Over 100 students: - 20% of classes
% of Classes
2-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-99
Over 100 students
# of Students
Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
- 2-9 students: - 7% of discussion sections/labs
- 10-19 students: - 23% of discussion sections/labs
- 20-29 students: - 30% of discussion sections/labs
- 30-39 students: - 27% of discussion sections/labs
- 40-49 students: - 9% of discussion sections/labs
- 50-59 students: - 4% of discussion sections/labs
- Over 100 students: - 1% of discussion sections/labs
% of Sections/Labs
2-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
Over 100 students
# of Students
Advanced Placement
International Baccalaureate
Accepted
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Accepted for placement and credit
Sophomore Standing
Available through AP examinations
Academic Resources
Libraries
Library Available On Campus | Yes |
Holdings | 4,458,000 |
Computer Ownership | Students not required to own/lease a computer |
Computers Available On Campus | Not Reported |
Internet E Mail Access | Not reported |
Academic Support Services
Remedial Instruction
Not Offered
Tutoring
Available
Services for Students Requiring Accommodations
Available
Services for Students with Accessibility Needs
University of California, San Diego provides hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access
Undergraduate Retention & Graduation
Returning First-Year Students
94.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
55.4%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
79.3%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
84.0%
Programs & Majors (UCSD)
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Majors (68)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics, General
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
- Art/Art Studies, General
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry Teacher Education
- Chemistry, General
- Chinese Language and Literature
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
- Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering, General
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Dance, General
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
- Ecology
- Economics, General
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Engineering, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Environmental Studies
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Film/Cinema/Video Studies
- Fine/Studio Arts, General
- Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
- French Language and Literature
- Geology/Earth Science, General
- German Language and Literature
- History, General
- Italian Language and Literature
- Japanese Language and Literature
- Jewish/Judaic Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Management Science
- Mass Communication/Media Studies
- Mathematics Teacher Education
- Mathematics, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Music History, Literature, and Theory
- Music, General
- Philosophy
- Physics Teacher Education
- Physics, General
- Political Science and Government, General
- Psychology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Russian Language and Literature
- Russian Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Language and Literature
- Structural Engineering
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Women's Studies
Most Popular Disciplines
Offered
Professional Degree Programs
No online degree programs
Special Programs
Accelerated program, Cooperative work study program, Student-designed major, Double major, English as a second language, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad, Summer session
Study Abroad
Social sciences, Biological/life sciences, Engineering
Online Degrees
None
Graduate and Professional Education
Master's Degrees Offered
Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy
Master's Programs of Study (59)
- Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Architectural Engineering
- Art History
- Art/Fine Arts
- Artificial Intelligence/Robotics
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences--General
- Biophysics
- Business Administration and Management--General
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Medical Technology
- Clinical Research
- Computational Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Dance
- Education--General
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- English
- Finance and Banking
- Geophysics
- Geosciences
- Health Law
- Health Services Management and Hospital Administration
- History
- International Affairs
- Jewish Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Legal and Justice Studies
- Marine Biology
- Marine Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Meteorology
- Modeling and Simulation
- Multilingual and Multicultural Education
- Music
- Nanotechnology
- Ocean Engineering
- Oceanography
- Photonics
- Physics
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Statistics
- Structural Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Theater
- Writing
Campus Life (UCSD)
Location & Geography
Population
46,781
Nearest Metropolitan Area
San Diego
Campus Size
1,976 acres
Weather
Temperature | 48.8 average low in January, 77.1 average high in September |
Rain | 42 rainy days per year |
Available Transportation
Nearest Bus Station | - |
Nearest Train Station | 5 mile(s) from campus in Del Mar |
Housing
College Housing
College offers housing to students
Types of Housing
Coed housing, disabled student housing
Students of College Housing
39% of all students
Housing Restrictions
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
61%
Security
24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
Available
24-Hour Security Patrols
Available
Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
Available
Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
Not available
Personal Support Services
Health Service
Offered
Personal Counseling
Offered
Child Care
Offered
Sports & Recreation
School Athletics
Athletic Conferences | NCAA Division II |
Mascot | Triton |
School Colors | Blue and gold |
Intercollegiate Athletics (Women)
| Factor | Offered | Scholarships Given |
|---|---|---|
Baseball | ||
Basketball | ||
Crew | ||
Cross-Country Running | ||
Fencing | ||
Golf | ||
Soccer | ||
Softball | ||
Swimming And Diving | ||
Tennis | ||
Track And Field | ||
Volleyball | ||
Water Polo |
Intercollegiate Athletics (Men)
| Sport | Offered | Scholarships Given |
|---|---|---|
Baseball | ||
Basketball | ||
Crew | ||
Cross-Country Running | ||
Fencing | ||
Golf | ||
Soccer | ||
Softball | ||
Swimming And Diving | ||
Tennis | ||
Track And Field | ||
Volleyball | ||
Water Polo |
Recreational Sports
Intramural Sports | basketball, bowling, ice hockey, racquetball, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo |
Student Activities
Activities And Organizations
University of California, San Diego offers choral groups, marching band, drama theatre, radio station, student newspaper, television station, national fraternities, national sororities
Sororities
14% of women participate
Fraternities
12% of men participate
ROTC
Army ROTC is offered off campus, Navy ROTC is offered off campus, Air Force ROTC offered off campus
Student Body
Co-educational
Yes
Number of Full-Time Undergraduates
28,159
Undergraduates
All Undergraduates
28,587
Women
14,082
Men
14,505
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
- 0.5% American Indian/Alaskan Native
- 46.8% Asian
- 3.1% Black/African-American
- 22.2% Hispanic/Latino
- 0.0% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
- 0.2% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
- 23.8% White
- 3.5% Unknown
International Students
19.5% from 92 countries
Average Age
21
Number of Graduate Students
7,185
Student Resources (UCSD)
Study resources
Popular Departments
- Psychology1,765 Documents
- Chemistry and Biochemistry1,338 Documents
- Making of the Modern World1,382 Documents
- Mathematics996 Documents
- Biology/Lower Division710 Documents
Popular Courses
- MMW 11 - Prehistory and Ancient FoundationsMaking of the Modern World
- MMW 12 - Classical and Medieval TraditionsMaking of the Modern World
- BILD 3 - Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyBiology/Lower Division
- CHEM 6A - General Chemistry IChemistry and Biochemistry
- MMW 13 - New Ideas and Cultural EncountersMaking of the Modern World
Popular Professors
- Pamela RadcliffHIEU 140
- Alexander B StewartANTH 23
- Steven Dennis CassedyMMW 14
- Edmond ChangMMW 15
- Edmond ChangMMW 12