University of California-San Diego vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

La Jolla, CA — Ann Arbor, MI

Metric
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Location La Jolla, CA Ann Arbor, MI
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 34,948 34,177
Acceptance Rate 26.7% 15.6%
SAT Average 1,465
In-State Tuition $16,758 $17,736
Out-of-State Tuition $50,958 $60,946
Avg Net Price $12,470 $13,138
Median Debt at Graduation $15,500 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.8% 93.2%
Retention Rate 94.0% 97.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $65,669 $73,762
Median Earnings (10 yr) $84,943 $83,648
Loan Repayment Rate 802100.0% 627800.0%

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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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-San Diego and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) has an acceptance rate of 15.6%, in-state tuition of $17,736, and median 10-year earnings of $83,648.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-San Diego or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $83,648. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-San Diego or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 $13,138.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.2% 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