UC Irvine vs UC San Diego
How UC Irvine and UC San Diego stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| UC Irvine | UC San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 29% | 28% |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Test-blind |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $36,264 | $42,474 |
| Average cost after aid | $16,200 | $19,500 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 4 |
- UC San Diego is harder to get into than UC Irvine (28% versus 29%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Irvine is usually the cheaper option ($16,200 versus $19,500 per year on average).
- Both are test-blind, so you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
UC Irvine vs UC San Diego FAQ
Is UC Irvine or UC San Diego harder to get into?
UC San Diego is harder to get into, admitting about 28% of applicants versus 29% at UC Irvine.
Is UC Irvine or UC San Diego cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Irvine is usually cheaper, about $16,200 per year on average versus $19,500 at UC San Diego.
See your real chances at UC Irvine and UC San Diego.
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