About University of San Diego
University of San Diego blends Catholic liberal arts education with strong business programs on a stunning coastal campus. The university enrolls 5,619 students in a large city setting that offers both academic rigor and California lifestyle. Alumni include entrepreneur Jenny Craig, who built a weight loss empire, and NBA player Kris Humphries. The school maintains its Catholic identity while serving a diverse student body of 45.6% white, 25.5% Hispanic, and other backgrounds. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $75,466 annually, the average net price drops to $31,265 after aid. Graduates earn a median $86,522 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,940 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $243. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $17,543 net price.
The Toreros compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 451 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports. The school awards over $8.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. Students enjoy strong post-graduation outcomes with a 92.7% employment rate and 81.6% six-year graduation rate. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $75,466 annually, the average net price drops to $31,265 after aid. Graduates earn a median $86,522 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,940 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $243. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $17,543 net price.
The Toreros compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 451 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports. The school awards over $8.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. Students enjoy strong post-graduation outcomes with a 92.7% employment rate and 81.6% six-year graduation rate. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences.
Academics & Faculty
USD operates as a Catholic liberal arts university with particularly strong business and nursing programs that leverage its San Diego location for internships and networking. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention from professors who balance teaching with research. Students graduate at an impressive 82% rate within four years, reflecting the supportive academic environment. The school's business programs benefit from connections to San Diego's thriving biotech and tourism industries. USD's liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, while the Catholic identity infuses coursework with ethical perspectives. The university's commitment to undergraduate education shows in its focus on mentorship rather than graduate student teaching assistants.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 52.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 82.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.6%
- Retention Rate
- 89.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,522
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $94,408 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,744 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,672 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $89,530 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,706 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $73,391 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
Campus Life
USD's clifftop campus overlooks Mission Bay with year-round temperatures averaging 70 degrees, meaning students pack sunscreen and flip-flops instead of winter coats. About 55% of the 5,619 students live in campus housing, creating a residential feel despite the urban San Diego location. The school sits just 10 minutes from downtown and Pacific Beach, where students spend weekends surfing, hiking in nearby canyons, or exploring the Gaslamp Quarter.
Campus life centers around the iconic Immaculata Church and Spanish Renaissance architecture that defines the 180-acre hilltop setting. With 44% men and 56% women, the student body skews slightly female and comes from across the West Coast. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Greek life involves about 30% of students, while Division I athletics draw crowds to basketball and soccer games against West Coast Conference rivals. Students blend Catholic traditions with Southern California beach culture, creating a unique mix of service learning and sunset study sessions overlooking the Pacific.
Campus life centers around the iconic Immaculata Church and Spanish Renaissance architecture that defines the 180-acre hilltop setting. With 44% men and 56% women, the student body skews slightly female and comes from across the West Coast. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Greek life involves about 30% of students, while Division I athletics draw crowds to basketball and soccer games against West Coast Conference rivals. Students blend Catholic traditions with Southern California beach culture, creating a unique mix of service learning and sunset study sessions overlooking the Pacific.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,064 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1949
Campus Safety (2023)
72 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 18 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 47°–63°F
- July Avg
- 64°–72°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 10.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
USD draws a student body that reflects Southern California's diversity, with 26% Hispanic students and strong local ties as 58% come from in-state. The 56% female majority aligns with the school's emphasis on liberal arts and social justice rooted in Catholic values. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating the university primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families who can afford the steep tuition. Students tend to be academically solid given the 53% acceptance rate, attracted by the combination of rigorous academics, beautiful campus, and San Diego's appealing lifestyle.
- Men
- 44.2%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 45.6%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 25.5%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 58.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.4%
Location
The University of San Diego sits in California's second-largest city, home to 1.4 million residents. San Diego offers year-round Mediterranean climate with average temperatures in the 70s. The campus overlooks Mission Bay and sits just miles from Pacific Beach and La Jolla's coastline. Students enjoy access to Balboa Park's museums, the Gaslamp Quarter's nightlife, and strong surfing spots. The city's biotech industry and military presence create abundant internship opportunities. San Diego's laid-back beach culture contrasts with the intensity of Los Angeles, located 120 miles north. The 180-acre campus features Spanish Renaissance architecture that reflects the region's cultural heritage. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of San Diego with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Diego, California 92110-2492
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,522
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $82,964
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $243/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,940
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of San Diego?
The acceptance rate is 52.61%, making USD moderately selective among private universities. This Catholic institution attracts students seeking a liberal arts education with strong business programs in a prime coastal location.
How much does University of San Diego cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $31,265, lower than the sticker price of $75,466. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,543 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $46,152.
What are the academics like at University of San Diego?
USD maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,619 students, ensuring personalized attention in classes. The university operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system and is known for combining Catholic liberal arts education with particularly strong business programs.
What career outcomes do University of San Diego graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $86,522 ten years after graduation, with a strong 92.7% employment rate. The 81.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's success in helping students complete their degrees.
What is campus life like at University of San Diego?
The campus houses 3,064 students in a beautiful San Diego setting that attracts students from across the country. With 451 student-athletes competing in 16 NCAA Division I sports as the Toreros, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
How diverse is the student body at University of San Diego?
The student body of 5,619 is 25.52% Hispanic and 45.60% White, reflecting California's demographics. Women make up 55.76% of students, and , 58.07% come from California while the rest travel from other states to attend.
