College Comparison
University of Maryland 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 Maryland
College Park, MD
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Maryland | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 44.8% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1370–1520wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,306wins | $46,042 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,590 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,860 | $84,943wins |
| Graduation Rate | 88.6%wins | 87.6% |
| Retention Rate | 95.7%wins | 93.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 30,246 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, University of Maryland edges out UC San Diego on 5 of 9 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 Maryland Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1520
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,306
- ✓Graduation Rate: 88.6%
- ✓Retention Rate: 95.7%
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,787
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