Head-to-head · 2026
University of California-Irvine vs University of California-San Diego
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for University of California-Irvine, 4 for University of California-San Diego — University of California-San Diego has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of California-Irvine | University of California-San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.16 | 17.03 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,251 | $12,470 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,735 | $84,943 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 28.6% | 26.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 86.9% ✓ | 86.1% |
| Median debt | $15,000 ✓ | $15,500 |
| Enrollment | 30,197 | 34,948 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of California-Irvine costs $1,781 more per year than University of California-San Diego ($14,251 vs $12,470). University of California-San Diego graduates report $4,208 higher median earnings after ten years ($84,943 vs $80,735). On EduGradify's model that puts University of California-San Diego ahead on projected ROI (17.03 vs 14.16, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of California-San Diego) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of California-Irvine is selective at 28.6% acceptance versus 26.7% (selective) at University of California-San Diego.
Frequently asked
University of California-Irvine vs University of California-San Diego, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of California-Irvine or University of California-San Diego the better value?
University of California-San Diego has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.03 vs 14.16), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of California-San Diego is cheaper — average net price $12,470 per year vs $14,251 at University of California-Irvine. The annual difference of $1,781 adds up to about $7,124 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of California-San Diego reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $84,943 vs $80,735 at University of California-Irvine. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,208.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of California-San Diego is more selective at 26.7% acceptance vs 28.6% at University of California-Irvine.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of California-Irvine reports a A value grade; University of California-San Diego reports A+.