College Comparison
UC San Diego vs UC Irvine: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
School
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC San Diego | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 24.5%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $46,042 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $11,750wins | $12,840 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $84,943wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.6%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 93.9%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,787wins | 29,494 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out UC Irvine 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.
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.6%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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