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University of California-San Diego vs San Diego Christian College

University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA, and San Diego Christian College is a private college in Santee, CA. University of California-San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 31% at San Diego Christian College. San Diego Christian College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $992 a year against $12,470 at University of California-San Diego. About 87% of students graduate at University of California-San Diego, compared with 21% at San Diego Christian College. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-San Diego alumni earn a median of about $84,943, against $49,766 for San Diego Christian College.

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

San Diego Christian College

Santee, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
La Jolla, CA
Santee, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
34,948
87
Acceptance rate
27%
31%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1480
900–1098
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
18–24
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,470
$992
Full cost / yr
$38,701
$31,745
In-state tuition
$16,758
$28,012
Out-of-state tuition
$50,958
$28,012
Application fee
$80
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,525
$992
$30k - $48k
$8,155
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$9,942
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$15,199
Not reported
Over $110k
$28,785
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
21%
Freshman retention
94%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,669
$39,848
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,943
$49,766
Median debt at graduation
$15,500
$24,941
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
45%
First-generation students
40%
41%
International students
11%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
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 San Diego Christian College harder to get into?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 27% of applicants, compared with 31% at San Diego Christian College. 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 San Diego Christian College?
San Diego Christian College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $992 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,470 at University of California-San Diego. 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 San Diego Christian College?
Before aid, San Diego Christian College costs about $31,745 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 San Diego Christian College?
San Diego Christian College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $992 there, against about $7,525 at University of California-San Diego. 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 San Diego Christian College?
University of California-San Diego is the larger of the two, with about 34,948 undergraduates against 87 at San Diego Christian College.
Does University of California-San Diego or San Diego Christian College have a better graduation rate?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 21% at San Diego Christian College.
Do graduates of University of California-San Diego or San Diego Christian College earn more?
University of California-San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,943 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,766 for San Diego Christian College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-San Diego and San Diego Christian College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. San Diego Christian College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of California-San Diego and San Diego Christian College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1480 at University of California-San Diego and 900–1098 at San Diego Christian College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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