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University of San Diego vs California State University-Channel Islands

University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA. California State University-Channel Islands is a public university in Camarillo, CA. University of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants and California State University-Channel Islands about 95%, making University of San Diego the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,849 a year at California State University-Channel Islands after aid, and about $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 52% at California State University-Channel Islands. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands.

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Diego, CA
Camarillo, CA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
5,671
5,013
Acceptance rate
52%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$9,849
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$23,561
In-state tuition
$59,486
$7,159
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$19,759
Application fee
$55
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$6,857
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$7,083
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$9,083
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$12,286
Over $110k
$46,989
$20,473
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
52%
Freshman retention
91%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$46,785
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$62,152
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
47%
First-generation students
25%
51%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 2

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 San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands harder to get into?
University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% of applicants, compared with 95% at California State University-Channel Islands. 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 San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,849 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,365 at University of 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 San Diego and California State University-Channel Islands?
Before aid, California State University-Channel Islands costs about $23,561 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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 San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,857 there, against about $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands?
University of San Diego is the larger of the two, with about 5,671 undergraduates against 5,013 at California State University-Channel Islands.
Does University of San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands have a better graduation rate?
University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 52% at California State University-Channel Islands.
Do graduates of University of San Diego or California State University-Channel Islands earn more?
University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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