SDSU vs UCI: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for San Diego State University and University of California-Irvine, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
SDSU vs UCI at a glance
SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCI 28.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,243 at SDSU and $13,866 at UCI. Six-year graduation rates are 78.1% and 86.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCI 28.6%, so UCI is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,243 a year at SDSU and $13,866 at UCI; SDSU costs $623 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,258 at SDSU and $6,160 at UCI.
- 78.1% of students graduate within six years at SDSU, against 86.6% at UCI.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,494 for SDSU and $83,432 for UCI; UCI is $9,938 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,500 at SDSU and $12,821 at UCI.
- SDSU enrolls 35,377 students (large city) and UCI 30,197 (large city).
Side by side
SDSU and UCI in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | SDSU | UCI |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 36.2% | 28.6% |
| Applicants | 67,660 | 107,950 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,243 | $13,866 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,180 | $16,235 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,500 | $53,837 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,045 | $39,170 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,258 | $6,160 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,236 | $6,609 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,413 | $9,897 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,498 | $14,658 |
| Over $110,000 | $22,130 | $30,831 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.1% | 86.6% |
| First-year retention | 90.6% | 94.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,494 | $83,432 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,500 | $12,821 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $165 | $146 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 35,377 | 30,197 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Irvine, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
SDSU reports 81 bachelor's programs and UCI 72; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about SDSU vs UCI
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into SDSU or UCI?
UCI is harder to get into by acceptance rate: SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCI admits 28.6%.
Which is cheaper, SDSU or UCI?
SDSU has the lower average net price after grants: $13,243 a year at SDSU against $13,866 at UCI. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,258 and $6,160. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do SDSU or UCI graduates earn more?
UCI graduates earn more at the median: $73,494 ten years after entry for SDSU and $83,432 for UCI. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,500 and $12,821.
Which has a higher graduation rate, SDSU or UCI?
UCI does: 78.1% of SDSU students graduate within six years, against 86.6% at UCI.
How big are SDSU and UCI?
SDSU has 35,377 students in San Diego, CA and UCI has 30,197 students in Irvine, CA.