Universities in San Diego, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in San Diego, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in San Diego
  • 06 Mar, 2024: Scimago Institutions Rankings updated with University of California, San Diego ranked highest among 3 listed universities in San Diego.
  • 25 Jan, 2024: THE Times Higher Education, UK published most recent results of THE World’s Most International Universities. University of California, San Diego achieves position 103.
  • 19 Dec, 2023: Latest URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance from Urap . 3 universities from San Diego appear in this ranking.
  • 15 Dec, 2023: ShanghaiRanking Consultancy published most recent results of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). San Diego State University achieves position 101.

The least hectic and busy of all the Californian cities, San Diego is home to a rich variety of museums, as well as many venues for art and music performances such as the city’s orchestra Summer Pops show.

Students who move to San Diego can expect to have a great selection of highly reputable universities to choose from, as well as plenty of activities to keep them busy between water sports, entertainment, and the nightlife.


Rankings of universities in San Diego, USA 2024

  • #20 
  • #34 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #43 
  • #43 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #20 
  • #62 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 33 more rankings of University of California, San Diego and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects

  • #154 
  • #801 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #251 
  • #251 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #152 
  • #1001 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 26 more rankings of San Diego State University and subject specific rankings for 9 subjects

  • #152 
  • #152 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #182 
  • #1201 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
  • #326 
  • #2232 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 12 more rankings of University of San Diego and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects


  • #566 
  • #587 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #558 
  • #582 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #60 
  • #72 
StuDocu World University Ranking - US & Canada
[Published 06 September, 2021]
Show 1 more rankings of National University and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects

#5
USA

Northcentral University

  • #1165 
  • #1218 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1202 
  • #1263 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #875 
  • #5925 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#6
USA

NewSchool of Architecture and Design

Card image

  • #916 
  • #6128 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#7
USA

California Western School of Law

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 132 student ratings)
  • #1218 
  • #7713 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

  • #328 
  • #327 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #422 
  • #435 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #410 
  • #415 
Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 30 August, 2022]
Show 4 more rankings of Point Loma Nazarene University and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

#9
USA

San Diego Global Knowledge University


#10
USA

NewSchool of Architecture and Design


Highest subject rankings of universities in San Diego

Nursing & Health Care Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#3 
University of California, San Diego
Engineering Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#7 
University of California, San Diego
Economics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#16 
University of California, San Diego
Geology QS World University Rankings By Subject
#18 
University of California, San Diego
Computer Science Best Colleges for Computer Science Majors
#24 
University of California, San Diego
Business US News: Best Online Master's in Business Programs
#31 
University of San Diego
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#36 
University of California, San Diego
Education US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#41 
University of California, San Diego
Mathematics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#45 
University of California, San Diego
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#64 
University of San Diego

Student Opinions About Studying in San Diego

“Something you come to realise living in San Diego is that there’s not really four seasons. The range of weather tends to stay more or less the same all year round. This is good for those who like predictable, stable weather, but it may not be the right place for winter sport enthusiasts.”

“San Diego gets a little bit congested with traffic at times, so my main recommendation for those thinking about moving here is to learn to ride a scooter or a motorcycle, because it makes getting around so much easier here, and you’ll actually be able to park somewhere decent when you get to your destination.”

“This is a wonderful city if you’re the kind of person who likes to use a bike to get around, and visit parks and spend time on the beach. The distribution is pretty spread out, so don’t expect to just be able to walk somewhere 99% of the time.”

San Diego Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • San Diego has an impressive 31 beaches, many with golden sand, ideal for water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. There are also plenty of parks around the city, allowing you to relax and get away from the routine.

  • To balance out the issue of California’s living costs a little bit, the city of San Diego’s job market tends to be very active, with tech jobs often coming up in companies such as Samsung, Playstation, Intuit, Qualcomm, and much more.

  • When it comes to partying and nightlife, San Diego has a great reputation. One of the most popular student hangouts is a place called Gaslamp Quarter, not to mention the social events that are known to take place on campuses around the city.

CONS

  • The average rental prices for apartments are extremely high compared to many parts of the United States. The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego is around the $2,400 mark. Be sure to look in the more affordable neighborhoods when house hunting in order to bring these challenging prices down a little. That said, San Diego is still more affordable than Los Angeles and San Francisco.

  • Around 80% of San Diego residents use a car in their daily lives, so as a consequence the traffic situation can often get out of hand. Although many describe the public transport here as usable if you need it, but not reliable, convenient, or fast.


8 out of 10 Universities in San Diego Ranked in at least one ranking

37 Different Rankings list Universities in San Diego (23 institution and 14 subject rankings)

31 Global Rankings rank Universities in San Diego Among TOP 200

Population: 1395000

Elevation: 20 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -8

District/province: California, San Diego County

Living costs for students in San Diego:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 90* (10% cheaper than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 87* (13% cheaper than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 80* (20% cheaper than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in San Diego

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FAQ

University of California, San Diego ranks #1 in San Diego in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in San Diego University of California, San Diego is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 49 rankings where University of California, San Diego is listed.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Medicine & Health (Nursing & Health Care). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Social Studies & Humanities (Economics). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Natural Sciences (Geology). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Business (Business). See all rankings for the University of San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

University of San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of San Diego.

San Diego State University is ranked best in San Diego for Journalism & Media Studies (Journalism). See all rankings for the San Diego State University.

University of California, San Diego is ranked best in San Diego for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of California, San Diego.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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Kiplinger

Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:

Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%

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MONEY

Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Public Colleges:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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The Princeton Review

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Urap

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Us News

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Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:

Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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