University of California San Diego

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is a public land-grant research university in San Diego, California. Established in 1960, UCSD is the southernmost university within the University of California system. Considered one of the country’s Public Ivies, UCSD is well known as a top research university, and its programs in engineering, computer science, and biotechnology are among the best in the nation. Notable alumni include GoPro founder Nick Woodman, screenwriter Mike Judge, award-winning writer Khaled Hosseini, and more.

Ranked 48 nationwide, UCSD is quite a selective school. Its acceptance rate is 36% and its graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition is $14,648 per year, plus fees; out-of-state tuition is $44,402 per year, plus fees. UCSD’s student population consists of over 33,000 undergraduates and over 9,500 postgraduates, who participate in over 200 baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. The university follows a quarter-based academic calendar.

UCSD’s reputation rests on its world-class research initiatives, award-winning faculty, and academic collaboration that leads to groundbreaking discoveries. While students aren’t required to live on campus, they are guaranteed on-campus housing for the first two years. They are hardly disappointed, as the university’s 1,976-acre campus is within arm’s reach of the Pacific Ocean, set within San Diego’s La Jolla area. UCSD prides itself on its students’ ambition to make big impacts and become changemakers. Over 500 student clubs and organizations are available for students, with 65 of them dedicated specifically to cultural awareness. UCSD is committed to cultivating an inclusive, welcoming community, and its Campus Community Centers, SPACES, Triton Transfer Hub, Historically Black Colleges & Universities Exchange Program, and Student Resource Centers support students in their journeys to become globally conscious and ethical citizens.