by our College Data Analytics TeamIs UCSD worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UCSD is ranked #365 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within California, it ranks #63 of 304 for value.
Among the majors UCSD offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Bioinformatics | #1 of 15 |
| Biomathematics & Bioinformatics | #1 of 18 |
| Biology | #1 of 18 |
| Anatomy | #1 of 6 |
| Cell/Cellular & Molecular Biology | #1 of 40 |
| Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences | #1 of 47 |
| Other Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology | #1 of 9 |
| Other Neurobiology & Neurosciences | #1 of 7 |
| Other English Language & Literature/Letters | #1 of 9 |
| English Literature (Other) | #1 of 9 |
Below is the detailed UCSD value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
University of California-San Diego is ranked #11 out of #346 in California for quality and #63 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the UCSD financial aid page to be sure.
University of California-San Diego is ranked #365 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, University of California-San Diego is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UCSD costs about $23,190. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $92,761 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $38,617 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $12,470 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $23,190 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,761 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UCSD net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UCSD degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $154,468 | — | — |
| All Students | $92,761 | #365 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,880 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $154,468 | — | — |
| All Students | $92,761 | #63 | C+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,880 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UCSD shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $7,487 |
| $30K–$48K | $7,864 |
| $48K–$75K | $10,389 |
| $75K–$110K | $17,131 |
| Over $110K | $28,113 |
About 59% of UCSD undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $23,806 per year. Get more details on the UCSD financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the UCSD net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.