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University of California-San Diego vs Ashford University

University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA, and Ashford University is a private for-profit university in San Diego, CA. University of California-San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 100% at Ashford University. University of California-San Diego is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,470 a year against $31,266 at Ashford University. About 87% of students graduate at University of California-San Diego, compared with 10% at Ashford University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-San Diego alumni earn a median of about $84,943, against $35,404 for Ashford University.

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
La Jolla, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
34,948
20,152
Acceptance rate
27%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1480
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,470
$31,266
Full cost / yr
$38,701
$37,594
In-state tuition
$16,758
$11,960
Out-of-state tuition
$50,958
$11,960
Application fee
$80
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,525
$31,009
$30k - $48k
$8,155
$31,862
$48k - $75k
$9,942
$33,319
$75k - $110k
$15,199
$32,953
Over $110k
$28,785
$33,593
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
10%
Freshman retention
94%
35%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,669
$33,397
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,943
$35,404
Median debt at graduation
$15,500
$31,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
32%
First-generation students
40%
54%
International students
11%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Rolling

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-San Diego or Ashford University harder to get into?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 27% of applicants, compared with 100% at Ashford 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-San Diego or Ashford University?
University of California-San Diego is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,470 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,266 at Ashford 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-San Diego and Ashford University?
Before aid, Ashford University costs about $37,594 a year and University of California-San Diego about $38,701. 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-San Diego or Ashford University?
University of California-San Diego. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,525 there, against about $31,009 at Ashford University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of California-San Diego or Ashford University?
University of California-San Diego is the larger of the two, with about 34,948 undergraduates against 20,152 at Ashford University.
Does University of California-San Diego or Ashford University have a better graduation rate?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 10% at Ashford University.
Do graduates of University of California-San Diego or Ashford University earn more?
University of California-San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,943 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,404 for Ashford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-San Diego and Ashford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Ashford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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