The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a world-class public research university founded in 1960 and part of the UC system. UCSD is especially renowned for its Rady School of Management, School of Medicine, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Located in San Diego, UCSD benefits from a unique innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, neighboring high-tech and biomedicine hubs, providing students with abundant career opportunities.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
2025 U.S. NEWS National University Ranking: #29
2025 U.S. NEWS Global University Ranking: #21
2025 QS World University Ranking: #72
So, what GRE score do you need for UCSD Rady School of Management? And what are the career prospects for each program? CheersYou（清柚教育） is here to break it down:
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GRE requirements and score ranges for admitted students by program
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Employment data for UCSD Rady programs
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Application deadlines for each program
Previous Class Profile and GRE Requirements
1. Full-time MBA
The Rady MBA is a two-year STEM program that emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, offering experiential learning opportunities through direct collaboration with top companies in the San Diego area. The program is ranked #5 nationally for Best MBA for Entrepreneurship by Poets&Quants in 2025.
GRE Requirement
Applicants to the UCSD MBA program may choose whether to submit GRE scores. However, for students lacking a quantitative background, a strong test score can significantly enhance competitiveness and strengthen candidacy!
Image from UCSD official website
Admitted Student Data
The average GRE percentile for MBA admitted students is verbal 63rd (≈155) and quantitative 54th (≈160). Average GPA is 3.37.
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The MBA program places great emphasis on work experience. The average work experience is 5 years.
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2. Master of Quantitative Finance
UCSD's Master of Quantitative Finance is a one-year STEM program that combines data science and financial modeling to train students to analyze large real-time datasets for financial decision-making and risk management.
GRE Requirement
GRE scores are required for the Master of Quantitative Finance. It is recommended to aim for a perfect 170 on the quantitative section.
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Admitted Student Data
GRE percentiles for admitted MQF students are: verbal 75th (≈157) and quantitative 90th (≈170). Average GPA is 3.46, with most students coming from accounting/finance backgrounds.
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3. Master of Business Analytics
UCSD's Master of Business Analytics is a STEM-designated, 11-month program. The curriculum integrates AI-assisted instruction, incorporating large language models (LLMs) into every phase of business analytics. Students experience the full analytics project lifecycle and gain hands-on experience working with top companies like Cisco, Mazda, and IBM.
GRE Requirement
GRE is optional for UCSD's Master of Business Analytics, but the program strongly recommends that applicants thoroughly prepare for the GRE and similar exams.
Admitted Student Data
The average GPA for BA admitted students is 3.53, with undergraduate backgrounds predominantly in engineering. The average GRE quantitative percentile is 83rd (≈168), showcasing strong quantitative skills, while the average verbal percentile is 69th (≈156), also reflecting solid language comprehension.
Additionally, students have an average of 2.8 years of work experience, bringing a reasonable level of practical exposure.
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4. Master of Professional Accountancy
UCSD's Master of Professional Accountancy is a 9-month STEM program. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, with students participating in real financial accounting, tax, or consulting projects. It also features a Capstone course where students collaborate with startups, government agencies, or professional services firms to build practical expertise.
GRE Requirement
Applicants to UCSD's Master of Professional Accountancy may choose whether to submit GRE scores. Please note: if you decide to submit GRE scores, your application will not be processed until official scores are received.
Admitted Student Data
The average GPA for MPAc admitted students is 3.45, with backgrounds mainly in accounting/finance. The average GRE score for admitted students is as high as 331, with an average quantitative score around 169, demonstrating a solid quantitative foundation.
Moreover, 43% of students have full-time work experience, indicating a preference for applicants with a practical background.
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Employment Outcomes for Previous Graduates
1. Full-time MBA
The program’s employment performance is impressive: 72.0% of students received job offers before graduation. The average base salary exceeds $116K, and the average signing bonus is $18,351. The ROI is simply outstanding!
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Top hiring companies include BCG, Morgan Stanley, Kaiser Permanente, Analog Devices, and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Graduates mostly work in consulting and healthcare, often in finance/accounting functions.
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2. Master of Quantitative Finance
The program's average starting salary is $78,696, and 81.6% of students secure employment within 6 months of graduation, demonstrating strong market competitiveness and career prospects.
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Hiring companies include Bank of China, Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and PwC. Most graduates enter financial services.
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3. Master of Business Analytics
BA graduates earn an average starting salary of $104,920, with an average signing bonus of $16,730. Employment outcomes are also outstanding: 92.6% secure jobs within 6 months of graduation, showcasing strong job market competitiveness.
Image from UCSD official website
4. Master of Professional Accountancy
MPAc graduates earn an average starting salary of $76,460. Employment outcomes are just as impressive: 98% find jobs within 6 months of graduation, highlighting excellent career prospects.
Image from UCSD official website
Application Deadlines for Each Program
We have also compiled a detailed list of application deadlines and GRE requirements for all Rady School programs to help you plan your application effectively:
UCSD Rady School of Management Program Deadlines
UCSD Rady School of Management GRE Requirements Summary
In summary, UCSD's Rady School of Management sets a high bar for GRE quantitative performance. It is recommended to focus on strengthening your math sections.
Some Fall 2025 applications are still open—seize the opportunity to apply! Meanwhile, students planning to apply to UCSD for Fall 2026 should start GRE preparation early to build a competitive edge and get a head start on admissions!
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