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University of California-Los Angeles vs San Diego State University

University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA. San Diego State University is a public university in San Diego, CA. University of California-Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants and San Diego State University about 36%, making University of California-Los Angeles the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,548 a year at University of California-Los Angeles after aid, and about $15,364 at San Diego State University. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Los Angeles, compared with 77% at San Diego State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn a median of about $82,511, against $64,909 for San Diego State University.

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University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,475
35,377
Acceptance rate
9%
36%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
~3.82 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1530
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
29–35
22–29
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,548
$15,364
Full cost / yr
$38,614
$27,780
In-state tuition
$15,203
$8,728
Out-of-state tuition
$49,403
$21,328
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,579
$9,910
$30k - $48k
$6,682
$10,017
$48k - $75k
$9,811
$12,697
$75k - $110k
$14,142
$15,891
Over $110k
$29,682
$23,821
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
77%
Freshman retention
97%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,063
$52,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,511
$64,909
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
32%
First-generation students
38%
41%
International students
8%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Nov 30

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 36% at San Diego State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University?
University of California-Los Angeles is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,548 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,364 at San Diego State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of California-Los Angeles and San Diego State University?
Before aid, San Diego State University costs about $27,780 a year and University of California-Los Angeles about $38,614. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University?
University of California-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,579 there, against about $9,910 at San Diego State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University?
San Diego State University is the larger of the two, with about 35,377 undergraduates against 33,475 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Does University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 77% at San Diego State University.
Do graduates of University of California-Los Angeles or San Diego State University earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,909 for San Diego State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Los Angeles and San Diego State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Los Angeles is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. San Diego State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of California-Los Angeles and San Diego State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1530 at University of California-Los Angeles and 1090–1300 at San Diego State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school