UC San Diego vs UT Austin
How UC San Diego and UT Austin stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| UC San Diego | UT Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 28% | 27% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | Not reported | 1270-1490 |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Required |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | TX |
| Sticker price (per year) | $42,474 | $30,762 |
| Average cost after aid | $19,500 | $17,842 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 2 |
- UT Austin is harder to get into than UC San Diego (27% versus 28%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UT Austin is usually the cheaper option ($17,842 versus $19,500 per year on average).
- On testing, UC San Diego is test-blind while UT Austin requires SAT or ACT scores.
- UC San Diego asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
UC San Diego vs UT Austin FAQ
Is UC San Diego or UT Austin harder to get into?
UT Austin is harder to get into, admitting about 27% of applicants versus 28% at UC San Diego.
Is UC San Diego or UT Austin cheaper?
After financial aid, UT Austin is usually cheaper, about $17,842 per year on average versus $19,500 at UC San Diego.
See your real chances at UC San Diego and UT Austin.
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