
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. USD offers over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with approximately 9,073 undergraduate, paralegal, graduate, and law students enrolled. While the university is no longer governed directly by the Diocese of San Diego, the Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, retains control of the school's Catholic designation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Private Catholic research university |
| Location | San Diego, California, United States |
| Enrollment | 5,726 (undergraduate, fall 2023) |
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 9,073 (undergraduate, graduate, paralegal, and law students) |
| Acceptance Rate | 47% |
| Graduation Rate | 82% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Tuition and Fees | $59,486 |
| Financial Aid | 53% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid |
| Average Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients | $29,725 |
| Number of Degree Programs | Over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 43 bachelor's degrees |
| Number of Minors | 56 minors |
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What You'll Learn

The University of San Diego (USD) is a Catholic university
USD's campus is located in Alcalá Park, just two miles north of downtown San Diego, providing stunning panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The campus architecture is designed in a 16th-century Plateresque style, paying homage to San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain. The beautiful surroundings enhance the educational experience, as believed by USD's founder, who relied on the philosophy that a visually pleasing environment improves the quality of learning.
As a Catholic university, USD offers a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. The university includes seven schools and colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the School of Law. Students can choose from over 80 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, benefiting from small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio of 13:1. This promotes close relationships between students and professors, fostering a supportive and engaging academic community.
While USD is no longer directly governed by the Diocese of San Diego, it continues to retain its Catholic identity. The university is now governed by a lay board of trustees, with the Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, maintaining a permanent seat and control over the school's designation as a Catholic institution. This governance structure ensures that USD can uphold its Catholic values while also adapting to the changing educational landscape.
USD's Catholic character is further reflected in its commitment to service and social justice. The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, for example, is a testament to the university's dedication to promoting peace and social impact. Additionally, USD's Greek life community, including fraternities and sororities, offers opportunities for students to engage in social and community activities, with approximately 25% of undergraduates participating. The university also hosts a diverse range of events and activities, ensuring that student life is engaging and enriching for all.
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USD has a total of 5,726 undergraduate students
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,726 students as of Fall 2023. The campus size spans 180 acres, and the student-faculty ratio is 13:1. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with approximately 9,073 students enrolled across all programs, including undergraduate, paralegal, graduate, and law students.
USD has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 47%. The university provides a holistic educational experience, combining a beautiful campus, a strong community feel, and a supportive academic environment. The academic curriculum is well-regarded, with a liberal arts focus and small class sizes that promote close relationships between students and professors. The university's buildings are designed in a 16th-century Plateresque architecture style, paying homage to San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain.
USD offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with 43 bachelor's degrees and 56 minors across various disciplines. The university also has a strong research focus, classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity." The school's tuition and fees are $59,486, and 53% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. The four-year graduation rate is 72%, and graduates can expect a median salary of $64,995 six years after completing their studies.
Student life at USD offers a mix of engaging events and activities, although some students have noted that the environment can be cliquey and lacks vibrant social activities. Approximately 25% of USD's undergraduate population participates in fraternity and sorority life. The university also has a diverse Greek life community, with students reporting an average satisfaction level with the social aspects of Greek life. Varsity sporting events are attended by 61% of the students, but they are not considered a dominant aspect of campus life.
Overall, USD provides a well-rounded educational experience, combining academic excellence, a supportive faculty, and a beautiful campus, contributing to a positive and engaging undergraduate student life for its 5,726 undergraduate students.
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USD offers 80+ degrees at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. The two institutions merged in 1972. USD has a strong academic reputation, with students praising the supportive faculty and the liberal arts curriculum. The university is also known for its beautiful campus, designed in a 16th-century Plateresque architectural style, reflecting San Diego's Catholic heritage.
USD offers over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. With 89 undergraduate and graduate programs, the university enrols approximately 9,073 students across various disciplines. The university comprises several schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, the oldest academic divisions, and the newest addition, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. USD also offers an honours program at the undergraduate level, with around 300 students enrolled annually.
The undergraduate programs at USD offer 43 bachelor's degrees with various concentrations and 56 minors. The university's Shiley Theatre Program, in partnership with The Old Globe, was ranked among the top 10 "Best Drama Schools" by the Hollywood Reporter in 2024. The highly competitive two-year MFA in Classical Acting program offers full scholarships and stipends to seven students annually. USD's undergraduate Engineering program was ranked 13th in the U.S. for engineering schools that do not offer doctorates.
At the graduate level, USD's Knauss School of Business was ranked the second-highest undergraduate business school in California in 2022. The School of Business has consistently ranked first in the nation for Best Real Estate Colleges and has also been recognised for its communications programs. The university's School of Nursing has been recognised as the #1 Catholic Graduate Nursing School in the nation. USD's strong research focus has led to its classification as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
USD provides a blend of academic excellence, a beautiful campus, and a supportive community. The university's diverse range of programs and high rankings make it a competitive choice for prospective students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
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USD has a 47% acceptance rate
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California, with an acceptance rate of 47%. USD is a highly selective university, and admissions are fairly competitive. The university offers over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The student body includes approximately 9,073 undergraduate, paralegal, graduate, and law students, with a full-time enrollment of 5,851 undergraduate students.
USD's campus is located in Alcalá Park, providing panoramic views of San Diego. The campus architecture is designed in a 16th-century Plateresque style, paying homage to the city's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain. The beautiful campus, small class sizes, and supportive faculty contribute to a positive academic experience for students.
The university comprises several schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Knauss School of Business. USD offers a diverse range of academic programs, with popular majors in finance, business, and real estate. The Shiley Theatre Program, in partnership with The Old Globe, was ranked among the top 10 "Best Drama Schools" by the Hollywood Reporter in 2024.
USD's acceptance rate of 47% indicates that the university is selective in its admissions process. Students accepted to USD typically have strong academic profiles, with average SAT scores between 1190 and 1370 or ACT scores between 26 and 31. The university considers factors such as GPA, high school class rank, and letters of recommendation important in its admissions decisions.
Overall, USD's 47% acceptance rate reflects the university's competitiveness and selectivity. The university offers a high-quality education, a supportive academic environment, and a diverse range of academic programs, contributing to its appeal for prospective students.
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USD has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California, United States. USD has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, which is about average for a university in the United States, where the nationwide rate is 15:1. This student-faculty ratio does not necessarily indicate class size, but it is a good measure of how much time professors can dedicate to students on a one-on-one basis.
USD has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,726 (as of fall 2023), with a full-time enrollment of 5,851 undergraduate students and a part-time enrollment of zero undergraduate students. The university spans 180 acres and offers more than 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The campus is located approximately two miles north of downtown San Diego, on the north crest of Mission Valley in the community of Linda Vista. The campus buildings are designed in 16th-century Plateresque architecture, a style of the Spanish Renaissance, paying homage to San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain.
USD's academic experience is generally viewed positively by students, who appreciate the supportive nature of the faculty and the liberal arts curriculum. The university has a freshmen retention rate of 92%, indicating that full-time students enjoy their first year and are likely to return for another year. The four-year graduation rate is 72%, and the on-time graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is 66%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 33.3%.
USD's Shiley Theatre Program, in partnership with The Old Globe, was ranked in the Top 10 "Best Drama Schools" by the Hollywood Reporter in 2024. The university also has a diverse Greek life community, with approximately 25% of the undergraduate population participating in fraternities and sororities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, USD is a private Catholic research university.
USD has a full-time enrollment of 5,851 undergraduate students. In total, USD enrolls approximately 9,073 undergraduate, paralegal, graduate, and law students.
USD has an acceptance rate of 47%.








































