VIEWBOOK
DIEGO UC SAN MEET
TOP 10
Best Value Public College - Princeton Review, 2025 #6
Public University - U.S. News and World Report, 2025
45,300
Total Campus
Enrollment
35,000 Undergraduate Students
$91,000
Average Base Salary of UC San Diego Graduates
$164,900
Average Mid-Career Salary of UC San Diego Graduates
As one of the world’s leading public universities, UC San Diego has a reputation for making waves with our cutting-edge innovation, top notch academics, vibrant student life, location and expressive arts scene. Proud Tritons spend their days pushing boundaries to uncover solutions to today’s most pressing world issues, including climate change, the future of medicine and public health. To aid their goals, our students enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources in both the sciences and arts, and are able to connect with research and internship opportunities as early as their first year on campus.
Curious? We invite you to dive into our campus and discover all the outstanding opportunities open to UC San Diego students.
ACADEMICS HANDS-ON
Student Experience
UC San Diego invests significant resources in undergraduate services, including career and professional development, innovative technological facilities and advanced academic support. In addition, we’re establishing real and virtual nextgeneration classrooms and laboratories that offer interactive and immersive experiences.
Experiential Learning
We’re focused on linking classroom instruction with relevant, real-world experiences by placing students in cutting-edge laboratories, research facilities and public service programs at home and abroad. Undergraduates who practice in the field what they learn in the classroom have higher retention, faster graduation rates and better job prospects.
UC San Diego’s exceptional scholars aren’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom to make the world a better place. Here, you will work closely with distinguished faculty, engage in a field that meets your life’s passions and begin living the academic journey you have always envisioned.
26:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16
Nobel Laureates have taught at UC San Diego
FACULTY AWARDS INCLUDE: Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Prize, Academy Award, Tony Award, Fields Medal
Julian he/him
Third year
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major: Astrophysics & Astronomy
Minor: Computer Science
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UC SAN DIEGO?
I grew up in San Diego, so I've been to the campus a lot. I want to get my PhD and become a computational astrophysicist ... and the campus has been phenomenal in preparing me for that. I had two full research opportunities in my first year here, and that's helped me build my skills and find even more opportunities.
OF STUDY AREAS
Explore our academic programs, taught by leading experts who help prepare students to stand out and lead worldwide change.
Scan the QR code on the back page and select “Majors” to learn more.
Aerospace Engineering* ° ⏉
Anthropology° ᴹ
Applied Mathematics ⏉
Artificial Intelligence* ⏉
Astronomy & Astrophysics ᴹ ⏉
Biochemistry ⏉
Bioengineering* ° ⏉
Biological Anthropology ⏉
Biology° ⏉
Black Diaspora & African American Studies
Business Economics ᴹ ⏉
Business Psychology
Chemical Engineering* ⏉
Chemistry ᴹ ⏉
Chicanx & Latinx Studies ᴹ
Chinese Studies ᴹ
Cinematic Arts ᴹ
Classical Studies ᴹ
Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience
Cognitive Science° ᴹ
Communication ᴹ
Computer Engineering* ᴹ ⏉
Computer Science* ° ᴹ ⏉
Computing & the Arts
Critical Gender Studies ᴹ
Dance ᴹ
Data Science* ᴹ ⏉
Ecology, Behavior & Evolution ⏉
Economics ᴹ
Education Sciences ᴹ
Electrical Engineering* ᴹ ⏉
Electrical Engineering & Society* ⏉
Engineering Physics* ᴹ ⏉
Environmental Anthropology ᴹ
Environmental Engineering*
Environmental Chemistry ⏉
Environmental Systems° ᴹ ⏉
Ethnic Studies ᴹ
General Biology ᴹ ⏉
Geosciences ᴹ ⏉
Global Health ᴹ
Global South Studies ᴹ
History ᴹ
Human Biology ⏉
Human Developmental Sciences° ᴹ
International Studies° ᴹ
Japanese Studies ᴹ
Jewish Studies ᴹ
Latin American Studies° ᴹ
Linguistics° ᴹ
Literature/Writing° ᴹ
Marine Biology ⏉
Mathematical Biology
Mathematics° ᴹ ⏉
Mathematics & Economics (Joint Major) ⏉
Mechanical Engineering* ° ⏉
Media Industries & Communication
Microbiology ⏉
Molecular & Cell Biology ⏉
Molecular Synthesis ⏉
Music° ᴹ
NanoEngineering* ⏉
Neurobiology ⏉
Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences ⏉
Pharmacological Chemistry ⏉
Philosophy ᴹ
Physics ᴹ ⏉
Political Science° ᴹ
Probability & Statistics
Psychology° ᴹ
Public Health* ° ⏉
Real Estate & Development ᴹ ⏉
Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies ᴹ
Sociology° ᴹ
Structural Engineering ** ⏉ Study of Religion ᴹ
Theatre ᴹ
Urban Studies & Planning ᴹ
Visual Arts° ᴹ
World Literature & Culture
------
* Selective major
** Screened major
° Major specializations offered ᴹ Minor available
⏉ Requires Transfer Major Prep
INTERESTED IN A LAW, MEDICAL OR BUSINESS CAREER?
UC San Diego offers many academic and pre-professional programs, mentorships, resources and support to ensure your success in graduate school and beyond!
career.ucsd.edu/undergrads
SUCCESS PATHS TO
Everyone’s journey to success is unique. Whether you already have your heart set on a certain career or are still exploring your options, there are many different ways to help you achieve your goals. UC San Diego will be by your side to make sure you’re on the right track.
Explore a career in:
BUSINESS
COMPUTING
ENGINEERING
LAW
MEDIA AND ARTS
Consider a major in Economics, Political Science, Communications, Psychology
Consider a major in Cognitive Science, Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts, Speculative Design
Explore majors in Structural and NanoEngineering, Math/Physics, Economics
Consider a major in Political Science, Economics, Biological Sciences, Sociology
Consider a major in Humanities, Communications, Visual Arts, Political Science
MEDICINE
Consider a major in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Engineering
Brandon he/him 3rd year
Hometown: Orange County, CA
Major: Mathematics-Computer Science
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UC SAN DIEGO?
When I came to campus for a tour, my guide mentioned there was something on campus that was like "Shark Tank" and I thought "That sounds awesome." I found out they were talking about The Basement, which is a place I could possibly explore creating a business of my own. I also wanted to make connections and, with places like the Data Center or the Entrepreneurship Center, you can find fantastic people.
COLLEGE UNIQUE SYSTEM
Our unique college system is one of many things that makes UC San Diego such a special place. UC San Diego is a large campus with an international reputation, but the college system allows our undergraduates to experience more personalized advising, student support and leadership opportunities within their smaller college community.
Each college has their own general education requirements and college assignment is not based on major. Students are assigned a college at the time of admission and may study any major regardless of college affiliation. Get to know our colleges before ranking your top four on your UC application. View the First-Year and Transfer General Education Requirements PDFs on the Admissions site at admissions.ucsd.edu/colleges
A Community of Neighborhoods
Think of UC San Diego as a living and learning community made up of different neighborhoods. Each undergraduate college is a neighborhood. They each have their own philosophy and general education requirements. Additionally, each undergraduate college has its own staff, traditions, and residence facilities–first-year students typically live in their college neighborhood, while new transfers have the option to live on campus in a transfer-centered living learning community. Every college provides access to personalized academic advising, support services, and opportunities to get involved.
REVELLE
Est. 1964
Sciences, arts, and humanities.
SIXTH
Est. 2002
Arts and technology.
THURGOOD MARSHALL
Est. 1970
Shaping student scholars and citizens.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
Est. 1988
Developing world citizens.
EIGHTH
Est. 2022
Engagement and community.
admissions.ucsd.edu
JOHN MUIR
Est. 1967
Individuality and independent spirit.
EARL WARREN
Est. 1974
Responsible citizenship in a global society.
SEVENTH
Est. 2019
Confronting the challenges of our changing planet.
RENOWNED
Connect Outside the Classroom
• The Dine/Coffee with a Prof programs allow students to meet up with their professors, share a meal or cup of coffee, and learn more about their course or area of study.
• Campus resources like the Academic Internship Program (AIP) connect students with internship opportunities and faculty advisors who can assist with research papers or projects relevant to the student’s internship.
Olivia Graeve, Ph.D. Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Director, Graduate Program in Material Science and Engineering
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics, Engineering and Science Mentoring
Luis
Alvarez
Associate Professor of History
Inaugural director, Institute of Arts and Humanities and Chicanx/ Latinx Arts and Humanities program
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Diversity Award
UC San Diego has earned a world-class reputation for having faculty of the highest caliber. They guide students along educational and career pathways; they reshape our concepts of the world around us; and they advance creative solutions to address social disparity.
Gentry Patrick he/him
Professor of Neurobiology
Director of Mentorship and Diversity
Division of Biological Sciences
Gentry Patrick grew up in South Central Los Angeles.
MY INSPIRATION
“For me, growing up in that neighborhood was not only interesting and special, but posed a lot of different challenges. One of those challenges was access to a quality education and what inspired me to be a scientist were mentors that I had along the way.”
MY ADVICE TO UNDERGRADUATES
“Don’t be afraid to seek out mentorship. You should have a faculty mentor and perhaps a graduate student or upperclassman mentor. A great mentor can be the difference between a mediocre undergraduate experience and a great one that sets you on a path for success at all stages of your career.”
Maira she/they Fourth year
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Geosciences
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR MAJOR?
I love and owe so much to geosciences. As one of the smallest majors at UC San Diego, it has been an absolute joy getting to know so many passionate and inspiring peers and professors. The field is endlessly fascinating with a tight-knit community. I cannot imagine myself studying anything else, and am truly grateful for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I have been a part of three research projects so far and all of those opportunities were possible through word of mouth within the geosciences major.
BREAKTHROUGH BEHIND EVERY
As a $1.73 billion research enterprise, the university provides undergraduates with valuable hands-on experience and training, no matter what your field of study or major.
UC San Diego is a unique place where fresh ideas are translated into solutions to benefit society.
Our research themes include:
• Understanding and protecting the planet.
• Enriching human life and society.
• Exploring the basis of human knowledge, learning and creativity.
• Understanding cultures and addressing disparities in society.
Labs and Libraries
BREAKTHROUGH
Next-generation chemistry, biological sciences, communications and engineering labs fill our campus, as well as 18 research institutes. UC San Diego’s Geisel Library provides access to more than 7 million items. It was the first academic library in Southern California to partner with Google in building a global digital library.
Arts and Expression
• Our professional theatre district is home to the La Jolla Playhouse, which has originated several shows that have gone on to find success on Broadway, including "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying," "Jersey Boys," and the 2024 Tony-winner for best musical "The Outsiders."
• UC San Diego's Department of Music offers highly sophisticated concert halls and recording, editing and mastering studios. Students can also enjoy live music at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Past performers include Death Cab for Cutie, Fred Armisen, Em Beihold '20, and more.
• Art is all around us at UC San Diego thanks to the Stuart Collection, which features more than 20 art pieces throughout our 1,200-acre campus. Some of the most famous pieces in the collection include the Sun God statue and Fallen Star, a small cottage which sits atop the edge of Jacobs Hall.
• Our Structural and Materials Engineering building houses 12 visual arts studios, a gallery, performance space and a state-of-theart paint booth.
VIBES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
UC San Diego's location just north of downtown San Diego means our students can enjoy the outdoors almost every day of the year, connect with industry leaders for jobs and internships, experience the unique cultures and cuisines of Southern California and nearby Mexico, and make unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Discover San Diego
CULTURAL HUB
San Diego’s world-famous Balboa Park is a hot spot for museums, live music, theater performances, unique crafts and other must-sees like the San Diego Zoo.
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
From award-winning restaurants to casual dining eateries, irresistible flavors can be found around every corner in San Diego. Being in close proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border means it’s also easy to find some of the best Mexican cuisine in the nation.
THE WORLD’S A STAGE
Live theater and music are at the heart of San Diego’s entertainment. With Broadway San Diego at the downtown Civic Theater, the La Jolla Playhouse on campus, and the San Diego Symphony playing up classic compositions, there is something for all interests.
ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM
San Diego is home to millions of sports fans who root on our home teams, including the San Diego Padres (baseball), San Diego Gulls (ice hockey), and San Diego Wave and San Diego FC (soccer). The Padres play at the downtown Petco Park stadium, providing the perfect outing for some fun with friends.
EASY ACCESS
Transportation in San Diego is easy and affordable. The Blue Line Trolley connects UC San Diego’s campus to iconic neighborhoods, downtown activities, entertainment, and internship opportunities. The trolley also allows easy access to the San Diego International Airport, while the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides access to nearby areas including Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
UC SAN DIEGO THRIVE AT
Get Involved With Your Community
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Developed and hosted by Marshall College, all current UC San Diego undergraduate students can participate in exchanges with three Historically Black Colleges–Morehouse College and Spelman College in Georgia and Xavier University of Louisiana.
CULTURAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
• Academic: Black Pre-Med Society, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanola de Aztlan (MEChA), National Society of Black Engineers, Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance (NAISA), Society for Latinos in Physical Sciences
• Sorority and Fraternity Life: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES
• African Black Diaspora Living Learning Community
• LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community
• Multi-Cultural Living Learning Community
• Raza Living Learning Community
At UC San Diego, excellence is achieved by intentionally weaving inclusivity and support into the fabric of your academic, social and professional experience. We encourage you to bring your whole self into all spaces, and we provide equitable opportunities to fulfill your aspirations in order to ensure success at UC San Diego and beyond.
Community Resource Centers
ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER MIDDLE EASTERN DESI
AMERICAN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
APIMEDA helps students—especially from the Asian American, Pacific Islander and Southwest Asian North African American populations—find community at UC San Diego. apimeda.ucsd.edu
BLACK RESOURCE CENTER
The BRC serves the entire population of UC San Diego while emphasizing the Black experience. brc.ucsd.edu
CROSS CULTURAL CENTER
The CCC provides a place of belonging and validation for underrepresented and underserved students, staff, and faculty. ccc.ucsd.edu
INTERTRIBAL RESOURCE CENTER
The ITRC is dedicated to creating a welcoming space on campus and a supportive community for Native American students, faculty and staff by offering academic support, cultural awareness programs and social activities. itrc.ucsd.edu
LESBIAN GAY BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER
RESOURCE CENTER
The LGBT Resource Center is a diverse and inclusive public space for all members of the campus community to explore issues relating to sexual and gender identities, practices and politics. lgbt.ucsd.edu
RAZA RESOURCE CENTRO
A space for all to converse and connect around intersectional Chicanx Latinx identities, Latinidad and cultura. raza.ucsd.edu
TRITON TRANSFER HUB
Supporting the success of the diverse transfer population in order to ensure their pathways to graduation and beyond. transferstudents.ucsd.edu
WOMEN’S CENTER
The center serves as a resource for the entire campus community while focusing on the experiences of diverse women. women.ucsd.edu
TRITON LIFE THE THRILL OF
Life at UC San Diego is about activating your passions. Students who participate in student organizations, community service, athletics and recreation report a more well-rounded college experience and personal growth. And it’s fun!
GET ACTIVE!
Triton athletics comprises 24 Division I teams, including our basketball teams, which made history in 2025 as the first men's and women's teams from the same university to reach the DI NCAA Championship during their first year of eligibility. UC San Diego Recreation also offers sports clubs and intramural teams for all students to enjoy some friendly competition and meet new friends.
FOCUS ON WELLNESS
UC San Diego Recreation offers a variety of resources for students to take care of their physical and mental health, including nutrition and health coaching, classes on meditation, yoga and pilates, and even tools that focus on financial wellness.
A LIFE OF ADVENTURE
Being outdoors is a huge part of San Diego life, and UC San Diego’s Group Adventures allow students to take advantage of all the city and surrounding areas have to offer, including backpacking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and more.
JOIN AN ORGANIZATION
With 650+ student organizations available at UC San Diego, there is something for every interest! You’ll find orgs focused on academics,
Evelyn she/her/ella Third Year
Hometown: Tijuana, Mexico
Major: Clinical Psychology
Activities: Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALCS), Resident Assistant at Muir College
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ON CAMPUS?
I'm part of a new organization called MALCS, which stands for Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social. My friends and I got together with the Raza Resource Centro and started the chapter here in 2024. It focuses mostly on social justice for the Hispanic community and encouraging individuals in our community to pursue opportunities like graduate school and research.
EXPERIENCE REAL WORLD
Thousands of UC San Diego students intern on campus and for companies and organizations locally, nationally and globally. Internships are paid, unpaid or for academic credit, and typically last anywhere from four to 12 weeks.
Internships
ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Students choose from hundreds of internships across the Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Sciences and Social Sciences. All AIP students are paired with a faculty advisor for a well-rounded experience.
UCDC AT UC SAN DIEGO
Open to all majors, students live and take classes at the UC Washington Center near Dupont Circle. Internship opportunities include working for congress people, house caucuses, federal departments, the NAACP, the National Immigration Forum and many more. UC San Diego also offers the summer Science Policy Internship Program in D.C.
UC CENTER SACRAMENTO
Students interested in state-level policymaking or journalism can participate in this year-round program open to all majors. Take classes and intern at UC’s teaching, research and public service site, located one block from the State Capitol Building.
Global Perspectives
Through the Study Abroad Office, UC San Diego students study and work in 70+ countries. Programs like Global Seminars, Alternative Breaks, and Mexican Migration Field Research Training allow hands-on experience for students traveling abroad with the university.
A BRIGHT
Class
International
Our community of Triton alumni is 256,000+ strong and growing! Worldwide, UC San Diego graduates are working in the most sought-after industries, finding success as innovators and entrepreneurs, making a splash in the arts, and changing the world.
Top Career Paths:
Arts & Entertainment, Consulting, Design, Educational Services, Engineering, Finance, Medicine, Manufacturing, Publishing, Research, Telecommunications.
760+
Start-Ups Created by UC San Diego Graduates
$826,000
UC San Diego Graduates Average 20-Year Net ROI - Payscale.com
$32.4 billion in annual sales by alumni start-up companies
57% of UC San Diego graduates report working in an industry that makes the world a better place - Payscale.com
UC SAN DIEGO ALUMNI HONORS INCLUDE: Nobel Prize Emmy Award Tony Award Nebula Award
PATH TO SUCCESS
Deniz Burnham Class of 2007
Major: Chemical Engineering
Occupation: Selected by NASA to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class
After graduating from UC San Diego with a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, Deniz worked in the energy industry, managing drilling optimization projects and emission reduction strategies for drilling rigs. She was raised in a military family and is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. She serves in the Navy Reserve as the executive officer of SurgeMain Alameda. She was selected by NASA to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class and began reporting for duty in January 2022.
ADMISSIONS
When To Apply
The UC Application for Fall 2026 admission is open for submission October 1-December 1. apply.universityofcalifornia.edu
Fall 2025 Admitted Student Overview
FIRST-YEAR
• Applications: 136,700
• Admits: 38,850
• Admit rate: 28%
• Middle 50% GPA: 4.12 - 4.29
Minimum Requirements
FIRST-YEAR APPLICANTS
• Complete UC A-G college preparatory subjects.
• Earn a minimum GPA: 3.0 (CA residents) and 3.4 (non-residents). Students competitive for admission exceed the minimum GPA recommendations.
• UC San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions.
TRANSFER
• Applications: 23,400
• Admits: 12,360
• Admit rate: 53%
• Middle 50% GPA: 3.55-3.94
TRANSFER APPLICANTS
• Complete the UC 7-course pattern and major preparation, if applicable.
• Earn a minimum GPA: 2.4 (CA Residents) or 2.8 (non-residents) in UC-transferable courses. Students competitive for admission exceed the minimum GPA recommendations.
• Complete a minimum of 60 UC-transferable semester (90 quarter) units.
Competitive applicants to UC San Diego present an academic profile stronger than the minimum requirements. International Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.
Tuition Stability Plan
Systemwide tuition rates remain the same for up to six years of undergraduate study. Campus-based fees may still change from year to year.
AND AID
Apply for Aid
Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application during the priority filing period: October 1 - March 2.
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
Ensures you won’t pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of pocket if you are a California resident who meets the annual family income requirement and you qualify for financial aid.
CALIFORNIA RESIDENT
Direct Costs
Components of CA Resident Tuition and Fees: $20,505
• UC Systemwide Tuition and Fees: $14,934
• UC San Diego Campus Fees: $2,445
• UC San Diego Health Fee: $2,961
• UC San Diego One-time Document Fee: $165
Living Expenses: $19,629
Indirect Costs
• Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment: $1,365
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $2,364
• Transportation Expenses: $1,047
Estimated CA Resident Cost Totals: $44,910
NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENT
Additional Direct Costs
• Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition: $37,602
Estimated Non-California Resident Cost Totals: $82,512
9500 Gilman Dr., MC 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
LET'S CONNECT
IMPORTANT DATES
APPLY OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 1 apply.universityofcalifornia.edu
AUG. 1 | UC application opens OCT. 1-DEC. 1 | Fall 2026 UC application submission period OCT. 1 -MAR. 2 | FAFSA or California Dream Act Application priority submission period (subject to change) BY MAR. 31 | First-year application decisions released BY APR. 30 | Transfer application decisions released MAY 1 | First-year deadline to accept offer of admission JUNE 1 | Transfer deadline to accept offer of admission
CONNECT WITH US!
(858) 534-4831 admissions.ucsd.edu/contact EXPLORE MORE admissions.ucsd.edu/start like, follow, share @ucsdadmissions @ucsandiegoadmissions