One of the top research universities in the world, the University of California, San Diego is renowned for its science programs and stellar faculty. Popular majors are centered around sciences, with anatomy, biology, cognitive science and computer science drawing the most students recently. Nearly 88% of students graduate within six years, and alums post early-career earnings of about $83,000.
Athletics are a growing point of pride on campus now that the Tritons compete in the NCAA Division I. The basketball, water polo and volleyball teams in particular draw crowds and win big matchups. Beyond sports, the college's annual Sun God Festival is one of the most popular events of the year, attracting performers like Disco Lines, Vince Staples and Snoop Dogg.
Notable alumni include Mike Judge, creator of TV shows like King of the Hill, and Billy Beane, who put his UCSD economics coursework and statistical analysis training to use for the Oakland Athletics team — a feat immortalized in the book and movie Moneyball.
