University of California, San Diego SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UCSD is test-free, so your SAT or ACT score will not be used in admissions. With a 26.8% admit rate and a 3.90 average entering GPA, your clearest target is a rigorous transcript with grades near the top of your class, plus UC Personal Insight responses and activities that show a specific academic direction.
⬡ LangSmithc5b74adf-a4aa-423b-9869-bad3e3b68790Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of California, San Diego facts and stats
University of California, San Diego enrolls 34,955 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. UCSD has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 86% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. UCSD is test-free for admissions.
⬡ LangSmith64ff42ad-65b7-45f1-8dce-a2d483f20d8eLa Jolla, CA
How does your GPA compare at UCSD?
Key University of California, San Diego application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
UCSD is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission by the November 30 deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmith32fc7c39-02ad-40c3-a010-5bb7d36a571bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of California, San Diego?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
UCSD is a public Big West Conference university with in-state tuition of $14,436 and out-of-state tuition of $48,636. Out-of-state students may find merit scholarship opportunities, with an average merit award of $13,435. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
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As a public university, UCSD’s out-of-state tuition is $48,636, while in-state tuition is $14,436; room and board adds $18,522. Merit awards can make a meaningful difference, with an average merit scholarship of $13,435. Graduates leave with an average debt of $18,863.
⬡ LangSmith37137dac-8b5b-495f-b38e-47c3f7fd0d0fStudent life at University of California, San Diego
48% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CAAcceptance rate: 28.8%
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CAAcceptance rate: 33%
University of California, Davis
Davis, CAAcceptance rate: 41.8%
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CAAcceptance rate: 11%
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