About University of San Diego
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
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
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
- 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
- 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.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.