The perfect environment
to make a big impact

Salt air and sunshine. Renowned faculty. The finest labs and resources. As one of the world's leading public research universities, UC San Diego attracts bold thinkers and creative achievers — the disassemblers of the everyday who come here to "Break Things Better."

Departments & Majors

Campus Statistics & Rankings

Set yourself up for success by embarking on a college adventure where you aren't just encouraged to study from a textbook, but to journey into the world and achieve exceptional things.

Top Ranking University

  • 150+ undergraduate majors in a wide array of fields
  • 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Faculty honors include:
    • Nobel Prize
    • Pulitzer Prize
    • National Medal of Science
    • Academy Award
    • Tony Award
    • National Humanities Medal
  • 600+ student organizations
  • 1 in 3 undergraduates study abroad
  • 30 NCAA Division II titles
  • Ranked #3 best public college value in the nation.- Money Magazine
  • Public College

    #4 In the West
  • Over One Billion

    $1 Annual Research Funding
  • Academic Programs

    29 Ranked Top 10

See why
we’re special

#3 Best Public College

Forbes, 2021

#6 Best Public University in the World

U.S. News and World Report, 2022

#5 best drama school in the world

The Hollywood Reporter, 2022

#3 Best Public College Value

Money Magazine, 2021

"UC San Diego scientists and physicians ranked among the world’s most influential scientific minds"

Thomson Reuters

#4 public college in the west.

Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, 2021

Ranked 15th in the nation among best colleges for veterans.

U.S. News and World Report, 2021

UC San Diego alumni make an average mid-career salary of $128,900.

Payscale.com, 2021

UC San Diego received the 2021 American Council of Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation for our campus response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ranked 5th in the nation for best career placement among public colleges.

Princeton Review, 2021

Ranked 11th among top best public schools for financial aid.

Princeton review, 2021

Why the World Loves
UC SAN DIEGO

Hear from students who found their perfect academic match.

Liliana | Microbiology & Sociology: Medicine & Science major Testimonial
“UC San Diego has one of the best environments for women in STEM. Some of my best professors and mentors on campus have been incredible women.”

Liliana | Microbiology & Sociology: Medicine & Science major

Zimri | Visual Arts major Testimonial
“The art scene in San Diego is really diverse with a lot of local galleries exhibiting young artists' works. You can also experience the art scene across the border.”

Zimri | Visual Arts major

Rachel | Biochemistry and Cell Biology major, Psychology minor Testimonial
“Professor Gentry Patrick has been an inspiration for me not only because we are both Black identifying, but because of his work with marginalized communities.”

Rachel | Biochemistry and Cell Biology major, Psychology minor

Christian | Education Sciences major, Mathematics minor Testimonial
“I really enjoy the atmosphere and the College System, where you have an instant sense of community within the university.”

Christian | Education Sciences major, Mathematics minor

LOCATION

San Diego is much more than sunny skies and beautiful beaches. Discover what makes this seaside paradise the perfect environment to begin your journey to success.

Things to do

UC SAN DIEGO COLLEGES

Experience the support of close-knit learning and living communities nestled within a bustling world-class institution. Each College has as much personality as its students.

Colleges

Community and Culture

Life at UC San Diego is about activating your passions. There are hundreds of ways to have fun, stay active, gain skills and make friends.

Community and Culture

Explore Campus

Tours

Tours are the best way to see UC San Diego's beautiful campus. Register now for a live virtual tour, download our self-guided tour map and more.

Browse Tours

Viewbook

Interested in learning more about life at UC San Diego? Get a glimpse into our top-notch academics, cutting-edge research, exciting student life and more in our Viewbook.

Explore the Viewbook