UCSD vs Florida State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of California-San Diego and Florida State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UCSD vs Florida State University at a glance
UCSD admits 26.7% of applicants and Florida State University 24.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,794 at UCSD and $8,605 at Florida State University. Six-year graduation rates are 86% and 85.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UCSD admits 26.7% of applicants and Florida State University 24.2%, so Florida State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,794 a year at UCSD and $8,605 at Florida State University; Florida State University costs $6,189 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $9,229 at UCSD and $4,332 at Florida State University.
- 86% of students graduate within six years at UCSD, against 85.8% at Florida State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $96,197 for UCSD and $68,225 for Florida State University; UCSD is $27,972 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at UCSD and $13,000 at Florida State University.
- UCSD enrolls 34,948 students (large city) and Florida State University 32,212 (midsize city).
Side by side
UCSD and Florida State University 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 | UCSD | Florida State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 26.7% | 24.2% |
| Applicants | 118,386 | 65,235 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1270–1410 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,794 | $8,605 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,337 | $5,656 |
| Tuition, out of state | $54,939 | $20,116 |
| Cost of attendance | $41,664 | $25,144 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $9,229 | $4,332 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $9,965 | $4,290 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,147 | $6,953 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,235 | $11,367 |
| Over $110,000 | $32,338 | $17,085 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 86% | 85.8% |
| First-year retention | 94% | 96.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $96,197 | $68,225 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 34,948 | 32,212 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | La Jolla, CA | Tallahassee, FL |
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
UCSD reports 72 bachelor's programs and Florida State University 78; 44 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UCSD vs Florida State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UCSD or Florida State University?
Florida State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UCSD admits 26.7% of applicants and Florida State University admits 24.2%.
Which is cheaper, UCSD or Florida State University?
Florida State University has the lower average net price after grants: $14,794 a year at UCSD against $8,605 at Florida State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $9,229 and $4,332. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UCSD or Florida State University graduates earn more?
UCSD graduates earn more at the median: $96,197 ten years after entry for UCSD and $68,225 for Florida State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UCSD or Florida State University?
UCSD does: 86% of UCSD students graduate within six years, against 85.8% at Florida State University.
How big are UCSD and Florida State University?
UCSD has 34,948 students in La Jolla, CA and Florida State University has 32,212 students in Tallahassee, FL.