The UCSD commencement weekend spans from Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, June 14, 2026, featuring multiple graduation ceremonies across the beautiful La Jolla campus.
The UC San Diego commencement celebrations represent the culmination of years of academic achievement for the Class of 2026 graduates.
As one of the nation’s top public research universities, UCSD will host multiple graduation ceremonies throughout June 2026, honoring thousands of students across undergraduate and graduate programs at its stunning La Jolla campus.
With enrollment reaching an all-time high of 45,273 students across graduate and undergraduate programs, the UCSD commencement 2026 promises to be the largest celebration in the university’s history.
UCSD ranks #6 among the nation’s top public schools, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,792 students, making this graduation ceremony a truly significant milestone for thousands of families.
The comprehensive graduation weekend features the prestigious All Campus Commencement ceremony alongside intimate college-specific celebrations.
Each ceremony recognizes academic excellence and celebrates student success across diverse fields of study, including engineering, biological sciences, social sciences, and mathematics, the most popular majors at UCSD.
Table of Contents
UCSD Commencement 2026 Dates and Schedule
All Campus Commencement
- Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM PDT
- Location: LionTree Arena
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
College-Specific Ceremonies
The UCSD commencement weekend spans from Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Each of UCSD’s undergraduate colleges hosts individual celebrations to honor graduates in more intimate settings.
| College | Date | Time | Venue | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revelle College | Saturday, June 13th | 2:00 PM PDT | Warren Field | 2 hours |
| John Muir College | Saturday, June 13th | 6:00 PM PDT | Warren Field | 2 hours |
| Thurgood Marshall College | Sunday, June 14th | 10:00 AM PDT | Warren Field | 2 hours |
| Earl Warren College | Sunday, June 14th | 2:00 PM PDT | RIMAC Field | 2 hours |
| Eleanor Roosevelt College | Sunday, June 14th | 6:00 PM PDT | Warren Field | 2 hours |
| Sixth College | Sunday, June 15th | 10:00 AM PDT | RIMAC Field | 2 hours |
| Seventh College | Sunday, June 15th | 2:00 PM PDT | Warren Field | 2 hours |
Graduate and Professional School Ceremonies
- Division of Graduate Education: Saturday, June 13th, 4:00 PM PDT
- Jacobs School of Engineering: Sunday, June 14th, 10:00 AM PDT
- School of Medicine: Sunday, June 14th, 2:00 PM PDT
- Rady School of Management: Sunday, June 14th, 4:00 PM PDT
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Monday, June 15th, 10:00 AM PDT
UCSD Commencement Registration Requirements and Graduation Eligibility
Key Registration Information
Commencement registration opens in Spring 2026, and students must register online at commencement.ucsd.edu to receive a ticket to attend commencement and to have their name in the commencement booklet.
Important Deadlines
Check the UCSD Academic Calendar 2026 for the graduation schedule.
- Registration Opens: April 2026
- Registration Deadline: Friday, May 30th, 2026
- Regalia Order Deadline: Friday, May 15th, 2026
- Degree Completion: Students must fulfill all degree requirements before the end of the summer 2026 quarter (Saturday, September 6th, 2025).
Eligibility Requirements
| Degree Level | Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Complete 135 units by end of Winter 2026 | Must maintain good academic standing |
| Master’s | Complete all coursework and thesis defense | Must successfully defend thesis and submit all final paperwork to GEPA |
| PhD/Doctoral | Complete dissertation and oral defense | Must successfully defend dissertation and submit all final paperwork to GEPA for approval |
| Professional Programs | Complete all program requirements | Includes credential requirements for Education Studies students |
Digital Diploma Innovation
Effective Spring 2025 and onward, students receive both physical and digital diplomas.
The digital diploma will be accessible via UCSD email 2-4 weeks after degree conferral, while physical diplomas take approximately 3-6 months to be officially conferred and mailed.
UCSD Commencement Ceremony Locations and Campus Venues
Primary Venues Overview
UC San Diego’s expansive 2,178-acre campus near the Pacific coast provides stunning backdrops for graduation ceremonies.
Each venue offers unique characteristics and amenities for graduates and their families.
| Venue | Capacity | Features | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| LionTree Arena | 5,000+ | Modern facility, excellent acoustics, covered seating | ADA compliant, elevator access |
| Warren Field | 8,000+ | Outdoor setting, scenic campus views, natural lighting | Accessible pathways, ADA seating |
| RIMAC Field | 10,000+ | Athletic facility, covered areas, modern amenities | Full accessibility features |
| Epstein Family Amphitheater | 1,200 | Intimate setting, natural acoustics, terraced seating | Accessible with assistance |
Venue-Specific Information
LionTree Arena: The premier indoor venue for the All Campus Commencement, featuring state-of-the-art sound systems, climate control, and excellent sight lines from every seat. The arena’s modern architecture creates an inspiring atmosphere for this milestone celebration.
Warren Field: The most popular outdoor venue, Warren Field offers breathtaking views of the campus’s eucalyptus groves and surrounding hillsides. This expansive space accommodates multiple college ceremonies with its flexible seating arrangements and natural beauty.
RIMAC Field: As UCSD’s primary athletic facility, RIMAC Field provides the largest capacity for graduation ceremonies. The venue includes backup indoor spaces and comprehensive weather contingency plans to ensure ceremonies proceed regardless of conditions.
Guest Information and Ticketing Policy
No-Ticket Policy
UC San Diego maintains an open-access policy for most commencement ceremonies, meaning no tickets are required for family members and friends to attend.
This inclusive approach allows graduates to invite unlimited guests to celebrate their achievements.
Seating Guidelines
- Arrival Time: 60-90 minutes before the ceremony starts
- Seating: First-come, first-served basis
- Reserved Areas: Available for guests with accessibility needs
- Premium Viewing: Early arrival essential for optimal sight lines
Security and Bag Policy
| Permitted Items | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| Small purses (12″ x 12″ x 6″) | Large backpacks |
| Diaper bags | Coolers |
| Medical bags | Outside food/beverages |
| Camera equipment | Weapons of any kind |
| Folding chairs (outdoor venues) | Alcoholic beverages |
Family Coordination Tips
- Meeting Points: Each venue designates specific graduate pickup areas
- Photography: Professional photographers available on-site
- Weather Considerations: Outdoor venues have contingency plans
- Accessibility Services: Free shuttle services between parking and venues
Parking and Transportation Guide
Parking Overview
During UCSD commencement weekend (June 13th-15th, 2026), campus-wide parking restrictions and special arrangements accommodate thousands of visitors.
Early planning and arrival are essential for convenient parking access.
Parking Costs and Locations
| Parking Area | Daily Rate | Proximity to Venues | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilman Parking Structure | $12 | Very Close | 1,200 spaces |
| Hopkins Parking Structure | $15 | Close | 800 spaces |
| Regents Lot | $8 | Moderate | 600 spaces |
| Remote Lots (with shuttle) | $5 | Distant | 2,000 spaces |
Transportation Alternatives
Public Transit Options:
- UC San Diego Blue Line: Direct trolley access from downtown San Diego
- MTS Bus Routes: Multiple connections from surrounding communities
- Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft pickup zones are designated across campus
Campus Shuttle Service: Free shuttle buses operate continuously during ceremony hours, connecting remote parking areas to graduation venues. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes with clearly marked stops and directional signage.
Traffic and Road Closure Information
- Peak Congestion: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM on ceremony days
- Road Closures: Voigt Drive and North Torrey Pines Road experience temporary restrictions
- Alternative Routes: Campus provides detailed detour maps and real-time traffic updates
UCSD Graduation Regalia and Academic Dress Requirements
Official Regalia Requirements
All UCSD commencement participants must wear official graduation regalia purchased exclusively from the UC San Diego Bookstore.
The university maintains strict standards to ensure ceremony uniformity and tradition.
Regalia Components by Degree Level
| Degree Level | Required Items | Special Features | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Cap, gown, tassel | UCSD colors (blue/gold) | $75-95 |
| Master’s | Cap, gown, tassel, hood | Field-specific hood colors | $150-200 |
| Doctoral | Cap, gown, tassel, hood, tam | Velvet trim, discipline colors | $400-600 |
Academic Hood Color Coding
Doctoral and master’s degree recipients wear academic hoods representing their field of study:
- Arts & Letters: White
- Engineering: Orange
- Medicine: Green
- Science: Golden Yellow
- Philosophy: Dark Blue
- Business: Drab (tan)
Professional Attire Guidelines
Underneath the Gown:
- Men: Dress shirt, tie, dress pants, closed-toe dress shoes
- Women: Professional dress or blouse/skirt combination, closed-toe shoes
- All: Conservative colors (black, navy, gray recommended)
Cultural Accommodations: International students may incorporate small cultural accessories that complement official regalia, subject to the ceremony coordinator’s approval.
UCSD Commencement Live Streaming and Digital Access
Comprehensive Digital Coverage
All UCSD commencement ceremonies feature professional livestreaming, with recordings available on the official commencement website and Yearbook website.
Streaming Details
- Platforms: Official UC San Diego commencement website, YouTube
- Start Time: 8:00 AM PDT on June 13th, 2026
- Quality: Full HD 1080p with professional audio
- Languages: English with closed captioning available
- Recording Access: Unlimited replay availability post-ceremony
Technical Requirements
- Internet Speed: Minimum 5 Mbps for HD streaming
- Compatible Devices: Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone
- Browser Requirements: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (latest versions)
- Mobile Apps: YouTube app for mobile viewing
Interactive Features
- Live Chat: Family members can share congratulations during streams
- Social Media Integration: Official hashtags #UCSD2026 #TritonGrad
- Photo Sharing: Digital photo galleries updated in real-time
- Virtual Guest Book: Digital signing platform for remote well-wishers
College-Specific Ceremony Information
Individual College Traditions
Each of UCSD’s undergraduate colleges maintains unique traditions and academic cultures reflected in its graduation ceremonies.
Revelle College
- Founded: 1964 (UCSD’s founding college)
- Academic Focus: Liberal arts foundation with rigorous general education
- Ceremony Highlights: Classical music processional, emphasis on humanities sequence completion
- Notable Alumni Recognition: Special acknowledgment of distinguished graduates
John Muir College
- Philosophy: Individual academic freedom and environmental awareness
- Ceremony Features: Flexible academic celebration reflecting the college’s relaxed requirements
- Environmental Theme: Sustainability initiatives highlighted during the ceremony
Thurgood Marshall College
- Mission: Social justice and community engagement
- Ceremony Focus: Community service recognition and diversity celebration
- Special Honors: Public service awards and social impact achievements
Earl Warren College
- Emphasis: Engineering, ethics, and society connections
- Technical Excellence: Recognition of engineering and technical achievements
- Industry Partnerships: Corporate sponsor participation and internship recognition
Graduate School Excellence
Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA)
- Doctoral Degrees: PhD, EdD, DMA, DAud programs
- Master’s Programs: MS, MA, MFA degrees across 100+ programs
- Research Focus: Individual recognition of dissertation research and academic contributions
- Faculty Participation: Extensive faculty involvement in degree conferral
UCSD Graduation Statistics and Achievements
UCSD Graduate Insights: Graduation Rates & Employability
- UCSD has a 55% 4-year graduation rate and an 87% 6-year graduation rate, with a strong 94% retention rate for first-time, full-time students, according to CollegeFactual.
- Over the past nine years (2015-2024), UCSD has maintained an average 6-year graduation rate of 86.89%, showing consistent performance with the most recent rate at 87%.
- The university reports an 88% graduation rate within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program), reflecting completion patterns across diverse student populations.
- UCSD has demonstrated a positive upward trend in graduation rates over recent years, indicating institutional improvements in student support systems.
- Notably, UCSD’s scholar-athletes have achieved exceptional outcomes, with three of the last four graduating classes posting 95% or higher graduation rates.
Employability Insights
- UCSD’s Rady School of Management publishes detailed employment outcomes for its graduate programs, including the MS in Business Analytics and Master of Quantitative Finance.
- For Rady School programs, career outcome data shows a 94.3% reporting rate among graduates, with 89.3% of accepted job offers located within the United States, indicating strong domestic market integration.
- Specific graduate programs demonstrate impressive employment timelines, with graduates typically securing positions within months of completion.
These statistics reflect UCSD’s position as a major research university with solid graduation metrics and strong outcomes in specialized professional programs, though undergraduate employment outcomes across all disciplines would require more detailed program-specific analysis.
UCSD by the Numbers (2024-2025 Academic Year)
| Metric | Undergraduate | Graduate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 33,096 | 9,872 | 45,273 |
| Expected 2026 Graduates | 8,500 | 2,200 | 10,700 |
| International Students | 6,800 | 2,100 | 8,900 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 8:1 | 16:1 |
Academic Excellence Metrics
- Classes under 20 students: 42% of all courses
- Average GPA for graduation: 3.25 overall
- Four-year graduation rate: 66%
- Six-year graduation rate: 88%
- Graduate program completion rate: 92%
Research and Innovation Impact
- Annual Research Expenditure: $1.4 billion
- Faculty Nobel Laureates: 27 current and former
- Patents Filed Annually: 300+
- Startup Companies Founded: 40+ per year
- Academic Programs: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Post-Graduation Success
- Employment Rate (within 6 months): 89.3%
- Average Starting Salary – Engineering: $95,000
- Average Starting Salary – Business: $78,000
- Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Professional School Acceptance Rate: 85%
FAQs About UCSD Commencement 2026
When does UCSD commencement registration open for 2026?
Registration opens in April 2026 and must be completed by Friday, May 30th, 2026, at commencement.ucsd.edu.
Can I participate if I’m completing degree requirements in summer 2026?
Yes, students completing requirements through summer 2026 (ending Saturday, September 6th, 2025) are eligible to participate in June ceremonies.
What if I miss the registration deadline?
Late registration may be possible with the college dean’s approval and additional fees. Contact commencement@ucsd.edu immediately.
How long does each UCSD graduation ceremony last?
Most ceremonies run 100-120 minutes, including processional, speeches, degree conferral, and recessional.
Are UCSD graduation ceremonies held rain or shine?
Outdoor ceremonies have indoor backup venues. Weather decisions are made 24 hours prior to each ceremony.
Can I attend multiple ceremonies?
Yes, students can participate in both the All-Campus Commencement and their college-specific ceremony.
How many guests can I bring to UCSD commencement?
There’s no guest limit for most ceremonies due to the no-ticket policy, but seating is first-come, first-served.
Are UCSD graduation ceremonies livestreamed?
Yes, all ceremonies are professionally livestreamed starting at 8:00 AM PDT and archived for later viewing.
Where can families stay during graduation weekend?
La Jolla hotels book early. Consider Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, Lodge at Torrey Pines, or UCSD guest housing.
When will I receive my diploma?
Physical diplomas arrive 3-6 months after degree conferral, while digital diplomas are available 2-4 weeks after conferral via UCSD email.
Can I keep my UCSD email after graduation?
Yes, UCSD email accounts remain active indefinitely for alumni, providing a lifelong university connection.
What happens if I don’t complete the requirements by graduation?
Students not meeting requirements by the ceremony dates can participate in future commencement ceremonies once requirements are fulfilled.
Essential Planning Timeline for UCSD Commencement 2026
6 Months Before (December 2025)
- Complete degree requirement review with academic advisor
- Submit Degree and Diploma Application (DDA) if available
- Begin hotel reservations for out-of-town family
- Research parking and transportation options
3 Months Before (March 2026)
- Complete commencement registration when it opens (April 2026)
- Order official graduation regalia from UC San Diego Bookstore
- Plan family celebration dinner reservations
- Coordinate guest travel arrangements
1 Month Before (May 2026)
- Confirm graduation eligibility with the registrar
- Pick up regalia and ensure proper fit
- Review the ceremony venue and parking information
- Share livestream links with remote family and friends
1 Week Before (June 2026)
- Confirm ceremony attendance and seating arrangements
- Prepare graduation attire and accessories
- Review campus maps and arrival timing
- Charge the camera and phone batteries for photos
Conclusion and Next Steps
The UCSD commencement 2026 celebrations promise to be historic, honoring the largest graduating class in university history across multiple days of festivities.
As a #6-ranked public university with world-class research programs and exceptional academic standards, UC San Diego’s graduation ceremonies represent the culmination of extraordinary educational achievement.
Class of 2026 graduates join an elite community of Triton alumni making a global impact across industries, research institutions, and communities worldwide.
The comprehensive graduation weekend from Saturday, June 13th, through Monday, June 15, 2026, provides multiple opportunities for celebration, recognition, and family gathering.
Essential Action Items:
- Register early when commencement registration opens in April 2026
- Order regalia by Friday, May 15th, 2026, deadline
- Plan logistics, including parking, accommodations, and guest coordination
- Stay informed through official UCSD commencement communications
Congratulations, Class of 2026 – Go Tritons!
