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

La Jolla, CA — Austin, TX

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

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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The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-San Diego and The University of Texas at Austin 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. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-San Diego or The University of Texas at Austin?
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, University of California-San Diego or The University of Texas at Austin?
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