Academic Comparison between UCLA and UCSD

University of California-Los Angeles and University of California-San Diego are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UCSD has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,042) than UCLA ($44,524).
  • It is harder to admit to UCLA than UCSD.
  • UCLA has more students with 46,430 students while UCSD has 42,006 students.
  • UCLA has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while UCSD's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UCLA has more full-time faculties with 4,153 faculties while UCSD has 2,799 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Los Angelesvs.University of California-San Diego
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationLa Jolla, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$13,747
Out-Of-State$44,524
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
55%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$21,322Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,811
8.73 %Acceptance Rates24.52 %
51.70 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.85 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
92 %Graduation Rate87 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate93 %
46,430Student Population42,006
4,153Number of Faculties2,799
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare