Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC Irvine vs UC San Diego

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

UC IrvineUC San Diego
Acceptance Rate25.6%24.5%
In-State Tuition$14,237$15,265
Out-of-State Tuition$45,014$46,042
Average Net Price$14,647$13,293
Graduation Rate86.0%88.0%

GradFax Analysis

UC Irvine accepts 25.6% of applicants. UC San Diego accepts 24.5%. Tuition is close: $14,237 at UC Irvine, $15,265 at UC San Diego. Six-year graduation rates are close: 86% at UC Irvine, 88% at UC San Diego.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UC Irvine profileUC San Diego profile

Common Questions

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

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

Source: IPEDS

Is UC Irvine or UC San Diego more affordable?

UC San Diego, on average. After aid, students pay $13,293/year versus $14,647/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC San Diego: 88% of students finish in 6 years. UC Irvine is at 86%.

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.

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