University of San Diego campus
University of San Diego logo

University of San Diego

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,484
Religious affiliation Catholic
Student to faculty ratio 13 to 1
Acceptance rate 53%
Students retention rate 92%
On-time graduation rate 80%

Located in San Diego, California, University of San Diego is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

University of San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1, University of San Diego emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

University of San Diego boasts an impressive student retention rate of 92% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

52.7%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$52,864

Cost of attendance at University of San Diego in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$52,864

Cost of attendance at University of San Diego in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 82 of freshman students at University of San Diego received on average $34,413 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$34,413
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 183 18% $4,945 $905,010
Other Federal Grant 197 20% $6,196 $1,220,707
State Grant/Scholarships 158 16% $8,950 $1,414,066
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 816 82% $31,226 $25,480,374
Total Grant & Scholarships 817 82% $34,413 $28,115,147

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of San Diego students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of San Diego students is 80.0%. Female students graduated at a rate of 79.9%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 80.1%.

80.0%

  • asian 85.0% 85 students
  • African American 68.1% 32 students
  • white 81.4% 491 students
  • unknown 69.0% 20 students
  • hawaiian 50.0% 2 students
  • hispanic 81.6% 155 students
  • International Students 76.9% 50 students
  • Mixed Race 73.2% 41 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Pioneer Football League
  • Baseball West Coast Conference
  • Basketball West Coast Conference
  • Track and Cross Country West Coast Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of San Diego provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of San Diego offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Occupational
  • Postbaccalaureate Recreational or avocational education

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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