UC San Diego vs Cornell

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant academic landscapes of University of California-San Diego (UCSD) and Cornell University, two esteemed institutions renowned for their academic excellence and diverse offerings. While both universities share a commitment to providing students with transformative educational experiences, they each possess unique characteristics that set them apart. UCSD, nestled along the scenic Pacific coast, boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the globe. Cornell, rooted in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, offers a more selective admissions process, resulting in a smaller, tightly-knit community. Explore the nuances of these two prestigious universities through our comprehensive comparison table, delving into their acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, embarking on a journey toward intellectual growth and personal fulfillment.

	Cornell University	University of California-San Diego
Overview
Location	Ithaca, New York	La Jolla, California
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	8.7%	34.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $105	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120
SAT range	1450 - 1560	N/A
ACT range	33 - 35	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	41.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%
Total number of applicants	67,380	118,386
Total number of admissions given out	5,852	40,493
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,718	7,544
Yield rate	63.5%	18.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$80,287	In state: $35,116 Out of state: $64,870
Average net price	$24,262	$15,632
Tuition	$60,286	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,962 Meal plan: $6,434	$16,145
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	50.0% Average amount $52,674	48.0% Average amount $18,083
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $3,924	21.0% Average amount $4,545
Students taking out private loans	16.0% Average amount $8,357	7.0% Average amount $4,851

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	15,503 Men 46.1% Women 53.9%	33,343 Men 48.7% Women 51.3%
Graduate students	10,079 Men 51.0% Women 49.0%	8,542 Men 57.6% Women 42.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	64.3%	16.6%
International students	24.4%	21.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,422	17,765
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California New Jersey Florida Pennsylvania	California Washington Texas New York Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Agriculture Computer and Information Science Legal Profession	Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Computer and Information Science Health Professions Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	94.1%	89.4%
Dropout rate	5.2%	9.7%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $185,154 Year 2: $172,867 Year 3: $207,272 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $150,786 Year 2: $145,332 Year 3: $167,695 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $127,764 Year 2: $122,485 Year 3: $158,076 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $147,241 Year 2: $127,397 Year 3: $155,653 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $114,311 Year 2: $111,926 Year 3: $126,082 Operations Research (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,067 Year 2: $109,763 Year 3: $124,590 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $88,459 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $109,597 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,672 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $109,553 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,847 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,658 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $106,693	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $127,768 Year 2: $162,463 Year 3: $194,475 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,641 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $153,118 Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $124,326 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $118,445 Year 2: $113,668 Year 3: $123,569 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,196 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $113,628 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,603 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $109,783 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $108,034 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $87,738 Year 2: $86,972 Year 3: $105,245 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,610 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $102,296 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,476 Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $99,630

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UC San Diego and Cornell?

UC San Diego is located in sunny La Jolla, California, offering a coastal environment with a relaxed, West Coast vibe. The campus is modern and spread out, with a focus on research facilities and outdoor spaces. Cornell, on the other hand, is situated in Ithaca, New York, a more rural setting with distinct seasons. Its campus boasts a traditional Ivy League aesthetic with historic buildings and stunning gorges, creating a classic collegiate atmosphere.
How do UC San Diego and Cornell compare in terms of academic focus and strengths?

Both universities are highly regarded for their academics, but they have different areas of emphasis. UC San Diego excels in STEM fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and biological sciences, reflecting its strong research orientation. Cornell is known for its broad range of top-tier programs, including engineering, agriculture, hospitality, and architecture, alongside strong humanities and social sciences departments. Cornell also has several specialized colleges within the university, offering unique programs not found at UC San Diego.
What are the differences in undergraduate student life and campus culture?

UC San Diego's undergraduate culture is often described as academically focused and somewhat less traditional in terms of Greek life and school spirit compared to other large universities. While student life is active, it can be more centered around individual interests and research opportunities. Cornell offers a more traditional and vibrant undergraduate experience with a strong emphasis on Greek life, clubs, and activities. The campus culture is known for its passionate student body and a wide range of social opportunities.
How do the costs of attending UC San Diego and Cornell differ?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. For California residents, UC San Diego is significantly less expensive due to lower tuition rates. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition at UC San Diego is comparable to that of Cornell. Cornell, as a private institution, generally has a higher overall cost of attendance, but both universities offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. It's important to review the specific financial aid packages offered by each institution.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity for UC San Diego and Cornell?

Both UC San Diego and Cornell are highly selective universities. Admission to both institutions requires a strong academic record, including high grades and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply; check the latest admissions guidelines). Cornell's admission process is holistic, considering factors such as essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. UC San Diego also considers these factors, but places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Cornell generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than UC San Diego, making it marginally more competitive overall.
How do UC San Diego and Cornell support research opportunities for undergraduates?

Both universities provide ample research opportunities for undergraduate students. UC San Diego, with its strong research focus, offers numerous programs and labs where undergraduates can participate in cutting-edge research across various disciplines. Cornell also has extensive research facilities and programs, allowing undergraduates to work alongside faculty on research projects. Both institutions encourage students to get involved in research early in their academic careers.
What career services and alumni networks are available at UC San Diego and Cornell?

Both UC San Diego and Cornell offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship placement assistance. Cornell's alumni network is extensive and well-connected, providing valuable networking opportunities for graduates. UC San Diego's alumni network is also growing and increasingly influential, particularly in the tech and biotech industries in California. Both universities host career fairs and employer information sessions to connect students with potential employers.
How do the graduate programs at UC San Diego and Cornell compare?

Both universities have highly ranked graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. UC San Diego is particularly strong in STEM fields at the graduate level, with renowned programs in engineering, computer science, and oceanography. Cornell also boasts top-tier graduate programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and law, among others. The choice between the two depends on the specific graduate program of interest and the faculty expertise in that area.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at UC San Diego that are not available at Cornell, and vice versa?

UC San Diego's proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides unique opportunities in marine biology, oceanography, and related fields. Its location in Southern California also fosters strong connections with the biotech and tech industries. Cornell, with its land-grant mission, offers unique programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and hospitality management. Its location in the Finger Lakes region provides opportunities for studying environmental science in a different ecosystem.
Which university is a better fit for me: UC San Diego or Cornell?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer a sunny, coastal environment and are primarily interested in STEM fields, particularly those related to technology or biosciences, UC San Diego might be a better choice. If you prefer a more traditional Ivy League experience with a broader range of academic programs and a vibrant campus culture, Cornell could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and financial situation when making your decision. Visiting both campuses, if possible, can also be very helpful.

Compare Similar Colleges

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Cornell

California Institute of Technology