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University of California-San Diego

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021, USA

University of California-San Diego award
University of California-San Diego award
US ranking
position: 12
Tuition & fees per year: $20,406
Acceptance rate: 25.00%
Median alumni salary: $44,612
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What does University of California-San Diego offer in terms of athletics?

University of California-San Diego provides a diverse athletics program, featuring a wide range of sports for students to participate in at the collegiate level. The university competes primarily in NCAA Division I, offering opportunities in both men's and women's teams across various disciplines. This includes sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, and track and field, among others.

UC San Diego places emphasis on balancing competitive athletics with academic commitments, supporting student-athletes through resources that help maintain their educational and athletic pursuits. Facilities on campus are designed to support training, competition, and overall student fitness, ensuring a comprehensive environment for athletic development.

The school fosters a spirit of community and school pride through its athletics teams, which compete in robust intercollegiate schedules. Students interested in joining athletics can find programs catering to different skill levels and dedication, from highly competitive varsity teams to club sports and recreational opportunities.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of California-San Diego?

University of California-San Diego offers a variety of student groups and associations catering to diverse interests. Among these are the Associated Students, which provide a platform for student governance and involvement. For those pursuing scientific fields, the Biological Sciences Student Organization offers opportunities to engage with peers and enhance academic experiences.

Engineering students can join the Society of Women Engineers, supporting women in the field, or Engineers for a Sustainable World, which focuses on environmentally responsible projects and innovations. Additionally, students enthusiastic about campus spirit can participate in Triton Spirit Groups, which include pep and cheer teams promoting school pride and community engagement.

Who studies at University of California-San Diego?

The University of California-San Diego enrolls a very large and diverse student body. Total enrollment reaches over 10,000 new students annually, with freshmen numbering around 7,000 and transfer students exceeding 3,000. These figures place the university in the top 5% nationwide for both categories, highlighting its strong appeal to a wide range of applicants.

In terms of residency, approximately 79% of students are in-state residents, a level considered average and ranking the university within the top third nationally. Out-of-state students represent about 10%, which is relatively low compared to other institutions. The majority of students are from within the United States at 89%, also an average percentage, while the proportion of international students is notably high at 11%, placing the university among the top 15% of schools with international enrollment.

Age distribution varies considerably. Among undergraduates, there is a strong concentration in the traditional college-age groups, with nearly 13,000 students aged 18 to 19 and over 14,000 aged 20 to 21. Numbers decline in older age brackets, but the university still serves a notable number of non-traditional students, including several hundred over age 30. Graduate students tend to be older, with a significant presence in the 22 to 29 age range, along with a smaller but meaningful portion above 40 years old.

The ethnic composition of University of California-San Diego's student body illustrates considerable diversity. Hispanic students represent a very high share, close to 9,300 individuals, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for Hispanic enrollment. Asian students form the largest ethnic group at over 12,000, also ranking in the top 5%. White students number around 6,000, classified as a high level relative to other universities, while African American students register at about 570, aligning with average representation. Additionally, students identifying with two or more races are highly represented, with more than 2,200 individuals. Other groups, including Native American and Pacific Islander students, are present in smaller numbers, roughly 20 to 25 students each.

How does student life look like at University of California-San Diego?

Student life at University of California-San Diego is marked by a broad range of extracurricular and support services that contribute to a well-rounded campus experience. The university hosts various cultural and artistic activities including a campus newspaper, theater productions, radio station, band, chorus, and campus television, providing students with multiple platforms for creative expression and communication.

Support services are robust and include legal assistance, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, which collectively address diverse student needs on and off campus. Additionally, a dedicated women's center offers resources and programming that support gender-specific concerns and foster community.

The university's athletic affiliation with the NCAA further enriches student engagement opportunities through sports and related events. With a sizeable campus spanning over 2,100 acres, students have access to ample space for social, recreational, and academic activities, promoting both community interaction and personal development.

What libraries are available to students at University of California-San Diego?

University of California-San Diego students have access to a substantial library system featuring three libraries, with the Geisel Library serving as the main facility. This number of libraries ranks in the top 30% nationally, providing a solid base for academic resources. The university offers a very high volume of physical books, totaling over 1.75 million, placing it in the top 10% of institutions by size.

Digital resources are also abundant, particularly in the form of eBooks, where the university boasts nearly 2.5 million titles-an outstanding collection within the top 5% nationwide. Subscriptions to journals and other periodicals are equally extensive, with over 70,000 subscriptions overall, again ranking in the top 10%. There are nearly 379,000 digital subscriptions, a figure considered average, falling within the top 35% of libraries.

Study spaces are well supported, including available study rooms, and physical access to the libraries is maintained during established hours, although there is no all-day access. The libraries provide both physical and digital facilities, with staff trained to assist users effectively. Additionally, students benefit from access to shared collections through the university's library system.

The number of databases offered is moderate, with 968 available, placing the university below the median among peer institutions. However, weekly service hours total 56, ensuring consistent availability for research and study needs.

University of California-San Diego Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

44256

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

6842

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1515 full time, 256 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of California-San Diego Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Geisel

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of California-San Diego Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of California-San Diego Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of California-San Diego Location & Map

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