Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Institute of the Arts vs UC San Diego

Valencia, CA · La Jolla, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

California Institute of the ArtsUC San Diego
Acceptance Rate26.0%24.5%
In-State Tuition$56,724$15,265
Out-of-State Tuition$56,724$46,042
Average Net Price$40,863$13,293
Graduation Rate64.0%88.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Institute of the Arts accepts 26.0% of applicants. UC San Diego accepts 24.5%. California Institute of the Arts's tuition is $56,724. UC San Diego's is $15,265. That's a $41,459 difference per year. California Institute of the Arts graduates 64% of students in 6 years. UC San Diego graduates 88%.

Bottom Line

UC San Diego is public; California Institute of the Arts is private. If you're an in-state student, UC San Diego will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Institute of the Arts profileUC San Diego profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Institute of the Arts or UC San Diego?

UC San Diego. It accepts 24.5% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Institute of the Arts or UC San Diego more affordable?

UC San Diego has lower published tuition: $15,265 versus $56,724. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC San Diego: 88% of students finish in 6 years. California Institute of the Arts is at 64%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

California Institute of the Arts vs UC San Diego: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax