UC San Diego's published cost of attendance is $36,325 per year for California residents, including $15,265 in-state tuition, $17,198 for room and board, and $1,307 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,750 after financial aid, representing savings of $24,575 compared to the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $36,325 |
| Tuition and Fees | $46,042 |
| Room and Board | $17,198 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,307 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$24,575 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,750 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,487 |
| $30–48k | $7,864 |
| $48–75k | $10,389 |
| $75–110k | $17,131 |
| $110k+ | $28,113 |
UC San Diego's published cost of attendance is $36,325 per year for California residents, including $15,265 in-state tuition, $17,198 for room and board, and $1,307 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,750 after financial aid, representing savings of $24,575 compared to the sticker price. This net price sits $3,840 below the peer median of $15,590, making UC San Diego a strong value proposition within its competitive tier.
The university's financial aid system creates a progressive cost structure where families at different income levels face dramatically different net prices. Out-of-state students pay $46,042 in tuition, significantly increasing their total costs, though financial aid can offset some of this difference. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net prices reflects UC San Diego's commitment to access, using institutional and federal aid to make attendance feasible for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC San Diego graduates carry median debt of $15,500, well below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking in the 84.0th percentile for manageable debt levels. Debt distribution shows 25th percentile borrowers owing $9,200 while 75th percentile borrowers carry $23,800, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 compares favorably to typical guidelines, suggesting graduates can service their loans comfortably given median earnings of $84,943. Parent PLUS borrowers hold median debt of $23,535 with monthly payments averaging $310, requiring families to evaluate their capacity for parent borrowing alongside student debt.
The $4,500 advantage compared to peer median debt levels reflects both the university's strong financial aid and students' disciplined borrowing decisions. With strong earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels, UC San Diego graduates enter the workforce with favorable debt-to-income profiles that support long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC San Diego delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and exceptional earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $17,210 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking in the 92.6nd percentile nationally and demonstrating significant value creation.
The $24,400 earnings advantage over the peer median of $60,543 substantially exceeds the modest $3,840 net price premium, creating positive long-term value despite higher upfront costs. Median debt of $15,500 paired with earnings of $84,943 produces a favorable 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio, well within sustainable ranges for loan repayment.
The university's ranking in the 95.1st percentile for return on investment reflects this combination of strong outcomes and controlled costs. Students benefit from UC San Diego's positioning as both a top-tier research institution and a public university with mission-driven pricing, accessing exceptional educational quality without the premium pricing of elite private institutions.
UC San Diego serves 32.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds who benefit from federal and institutional aid programs. The university's financial aid system reduces average costs by $24,575 compared to published prices, demonstrating substantial institutional investment in student access.
The progressive net pricing structure shows concentrated aid toward lower-income families, with those earning under $48,000 paying less than $8,000 annually. This aid concentration aligns with the university's role as an Opportunity Builder institution, converting access into strong post-graduation outcomes.
The financial aid profile supports the diverse socioeconomic composition of UC San Diego's student body, enabling students from varied financial backgrounds to attend alongside peers from more privileged circumstances. The university's below-peer net pricing combined with strong earnings outcomes creates favorable long-term value for aided students.
