Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Pitzer College vs UC San Diego

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

Pitzer CollegeUC San Diego
Acceptance Rate16.7%24.5%
In-State Tuition$62,692$15,265
Out-of-State Tuition$62,692$46,042
Average Net Price$17,752$13,293
Graduation Rate83.0%88.0%

GradFax Analysis

Pitzer College accepts 16.7% of applicants. UC San Diego accepts 24.5%. Pitzer College's tuition is $62,692. UC San Diego's is $15,265. That's a $47,427 difference per year. Pitzer College graduates 83% of students in 6 years. UC San Diego graduates 88%.

Bottom Line

UC San Diego is public; Pitzer College 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 →Pitzer College profileUC San Diego profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Pitzer College or UC San Diego?

Pitzer College. It accepts 16.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Pitzer College or UC San Diego more affordable?

UC San Diego has lower published tuition: $15,265 versus $62,692. 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. Pitzer College is at 83%.

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.

Pitzer College vs UC San Diego: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax