How should I compare financial aid at UC San Diego and the University of Rochester?

The biggest practical difference is that UC San Diego can be far less expensive for California residents because of its lower public-university tuition, while the University of Rochester may offer more institutional need-based grant aid but starts from a much higher private-school cost. Rochester’s package should be read closely for the amount of grant aid that is renewable, not just its first-year total.

Put both offers into the same four-year comparison. Start with billed direct costs: tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food, and the school health-insurance charge if you cannot waive it. Then subtract only grants and scholarships, including federal Pell Grants, Cal Grant if applicable, UCSD or Rochester institutional grants, and outside scholarships you can reliably renew. Do not treat Federal Direct Loans, parent loans, or work-study as discounts: loans must be repaid, and work-study is an opportunity to earn wages rather than money automatically credited to your bill.

Check whether each grant is guaranteed to renew and what conditions apply, such as full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, FAFSA or CSS Profile filing, and changes in family finances. Include annual travel, books, personal expenses, and likely rent increases, particularly if you expect to move off campus in San Diego.

The better financial choice is the school with the lower realistic four-year net cost after grants, while keeping required borrowing at a level your family can comfortably manage. A higher Rochester grant can still leave a larger gap than UCSD for an in-state student; for an out-of-state student, the two offers may be much closer.