College Comparison
University of Colorado Boulder 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 Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | CU Boulder | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943wins | $46,042 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738 | $84,943wins |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 87.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 89.2% | 93.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out CU Boulder on 6 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.
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
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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