College Comparison
University of Arizona vs UC San Diego: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Arizona | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 85.7% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1160–1420wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 21–30 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,095wins | $46,042 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,960 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $59,979 | $84,943wins |
| Graduation Rate | 65.9% | 87.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 87.7% | 93.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,769wins | 33,787 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out University of Arizona on 5 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
University of Arizona Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1160–1420
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,095
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,769
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.6%
Want a deeper comparison?
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