At $31,265/yr net price, University of San Diego graduates earn $86,522/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $52,522/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,265 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $125,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $86,522/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$52,522/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,940 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,543/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,083/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,998/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,397/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,152/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 | $105,176 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $94,408 | $48,680 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,744 | $119,008 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,672 | $48,756 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $89,530 | |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $84,653 | $135,168 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,706 | $29,276 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $73,391 | $145,850 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
The Risk Factor
81.6% of students at University of San Diego graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of San Diego delivers solid financial returns despite its high price tag, with graduates earning a median $86,522 ten years out. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, generating $117,572 in median earnings that justify even the hefty $105,176 debt load these students typically carry.
Business administration and real estate programs offer strong earning potential around $89,000 with more manageable debt levels near $49,000. Medical illustration graduates earn $94,408 with moderate debt, making it another financially sound choice. Liberal arts majors face tougher math, as the school's $31,265 annual net price creates significant debt burdens that lower-earning fields struggle to justify.
Your biggest financial risk at USD is the limited financial aid availability. Only 19% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. The school targets affluent students who can afford the premium without extensive borrowing.
USD makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, business, or real estate and can afford the costs without taking on excessive debt. The San Diego job market supports these programs well, with strong healthcare systems and business opportunities. The 82% graduation rate and 90% retention rate indicate you're likely to finish your degree.
Skip USD if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields. The school's merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to make it affordable for middle-income families. You'll find better value at public universities or private schools with stronger aid programs if cost is a primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of San Diego worth the cost?
University of San Diego graduates earn $86,522 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional given the $31,265 annual net price. The nursing programs offer much better returns at $91,744-$117,572, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at University of San Diego?
Nursing programs lead with salaries from $91,744 to $117,572, followed by Medical Illustration at $94,408. Business and Real Estate majors earn around $89,500, which is decent but not outstanding for the tuition paid.
How much debt do University of San Diego students graduate with?
The median debt is $22,940, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, students in lower-paying majors outside of nursing may find this debt burden challenging relative to their starting salaries.
Does University of San Diego have good financial aid?
With a net price of $31,265, USD provides meaningful aid since the sticker price is much higher. Still, this remains expensive for most families, and the financial return varies significantly by major choice.