University of California-San Diego vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

La Jolla, CA — Cambridge, MA

Metric
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Location La Jolla, CA Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 34,948 4,535
Acceptance Rate 26.7% 4.5%
SAT Average 1,560
In-State Tuition $16,758 $62,396
Out-of-State Tuition $50,958 $62,396
Avg Net Price $12,470 $20,111
Median Debt at Graduation $15,500 $14,768
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.8% 96.2%
Retention Rate 94.0% 99.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $65,669 $131,633
Median Earnings (10 yr) $84,943 $143,372
Loan Repayment Rate 802100.0% 58700.0%

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

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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-San Diego and Massachusetts Institute of Technology compare?
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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, in-state tuition of $62,396, and median 10-year earnings of $143,372.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-San Diego or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $143,372 vs $84,943. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-San Diego or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
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 $20,111.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.2% 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