University of Missouri-Columbia vs University of California-San Diego

Columbia, MO — La Jolla, CA

Metric
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Columbia, MO La Jolla, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 23,929 34,948
Acceptance Rate 78.5% 26.7%
SAT Average 1,247
In-State Tuition $14,837 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $36,056 $50,958
Avg Net Price $20,268 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 75.5% 86.8%
Retention Rate 92.7% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,756 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,403 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 891300.0% 802100.0%

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

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University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Missouri-Columbia and University of California-San Diego compare?
University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia, MO) has an acceptance rate of 78.5%, in-state tuition of $14,837, and median 10-year earnings of $63,403. 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, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 $63,403. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 $20,268.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-San Diego has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.8% vs 75.5%.

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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