University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Irvine
University of California-San Diego reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($84,943 vs $80,735). University of California-San Diego recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 1.3 yrs).
| Measure | University of California-San DiegoCA | University of California-IrvineCA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $84,943 | $80,735 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.1 yrs | 1.3 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $12,470 | $14,251 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $38,701 | $38,632 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 72.7% | 70.5% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 86.1% | 86.9% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 94% | 94% |
| Admission rate | 26.7% | 28.6% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,500 | $15,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 34,948 | 30,197 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | – | – |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of California-San Diego or University of California-Irvine a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of California-San Diego recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 1.3 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of California-San Diego or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-San Diego's average net price is $12,470 per year and University of California-Irvine's is $14,251 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.