The University of Texas at Austin vs University of California-San Diego

Austin, TX — La Jolla, CA

Metric
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Austin, TX La Jolla, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,855 34,948
Acceptance Rate 26.6% 26.7%
SAT Average 1,395
In-State Tuition $11,688 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $44,908 $50,958
Avg Net Price $19,857 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 88.3% 86.8%
Retention Rate 96.7% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,896 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $75,121 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 1076700.0% 802100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Texas at Austin and University of California-San Diego compare?
The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) has an acceptance rate of 26.6%, in-state tuition of $11,688, and median 10-year earnings of $75,121. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, The University of Texas at Austin or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $75,121. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of California-San Diego?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 per year versus $19,857.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.3% vs 86.8%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025