At the University of California San Diego, they prefer the path less traveled. And it has led us to remarkable new ways of seeing and making a difference in the world.

At the University of California San Diego, they constantly push boundaries and challenge expectations. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to take risks and redefine conventional wisdom. Today, as one of the top 15 research universities in the world, they are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. 

UC San Diego’s main campus is located near the Pacific Ocean on approximately 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in La Jolla, California. The campus sits on the ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay Nation. Kumeyaay people continue to have an important and thriving presence in the region. UC San Diego’s rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools.

UC San Diego was designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U in 2017 for its role as a leader in social innovation education. Only 43 universities around the world have received this prestigious designation and UC San Diego is the first University of California campus to be recognized. As part of the designation, UC San Diego joins the Changemaker Campus Network—a dynamic, global network of partners who share inspiration, connections and a desire to broaden their reach and impact around the world.