University of San Diego
University of San Diego has an acceptance rate of 52.4%, an average net price of $29,539, and an overall rank of #173 (Grade A-). About 81.1% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $83,580 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
University of San Diego is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 66.4%, roughly 16.5 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of San Diego Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of San Diego graduates 81.1% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 81.9% and keeps 91.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of San Diego's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $53,964 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $62,420 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,080 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,590 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,536 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $83,503 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.9% of University of San Diego students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,814 to $52,698 depending on family income. Use University of San Diego's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,962/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $52,698/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $83,580
- 10-Year Median Earnings $93,069
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $21,250
- Debt-to-Earnings ~25.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.1%
- Employment Rate 92.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of San Diego graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of San Diego vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of San Diego's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of San Diego's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of San Diego graduates earn $83,580 median five years after graduation, 36% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,671
- Full-Time Students 98.5%
- Part-Time Students 1.5%
- Retention Rate 91.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 81.1%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 81.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into University of San Diego
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of San Diego requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 52.4%, University of San Diego is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 52.4% acceptance rate, University of San Diego is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of San Diego undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Real Estate draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 10.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.9%
- Real Estate 7.6%
- Psychology, General 6.8%
- Marketing 5.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.6%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Political Science and Government 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $179,827
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $119,950
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $108,232
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $107,219
- 5. Marketing $95,759
- 6. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $95,583
- 7. Real Estate $93,920
- 8. International Business $92,769
- 9. Political Science and Government $91,607
- 10. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $90,815
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $155,431
- 2. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $152,847
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $151,111
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $148,740
- 5. Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degree) $141,180
- 6. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $140,101
- 7. Law (First Professional Degree) $135,690
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $129,768
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $101,835
- 10. Education, General (Master's Degree) $92,111
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $179,827—98% more than Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($90,815). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $155,431 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of San Diego. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Law (First Professional Degree, 223 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 175 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 162 graduates)
- Real Estate (Bachelor's Degree, 125 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 113 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Real Estate
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- International Business
- Computer Science
- Industrial Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Economics
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Data Analytics
- Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering, General
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Online Master's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Applied Mathematics
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Human Services, General
- Data Analytics
- Real Estate
- Accounting and Related Services
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Taxation
- Special Education and Teaching
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,671
- Full-Time Students 98.5%
- Part-Time Students 1.5%
- Male Students 43.5%
- Female Students 56.5%
- Caucasian 43.0%
- Asian 7.0%
- Hispanic 27.8%
- Black 4.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of San Diego's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of San Diego's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of San Diego support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of San Diego, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of San Diego has a diverse student body, with 43.0% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of San Diego support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of San Diego, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of San Diego offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 66.4% ROI. Ranked #173 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,539 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $83,580 median earnings. With 81.1% graduating within 150% of normal time and 91.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of San Diego's Positioning
With an A- grade and #173 ranking, University of San Diego competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,539 annually, University of San Diego charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 91.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,677 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 66.4% ROI and $83,580 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,539+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of San Diego ranks #173 of 1955 institutions, with 889 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 81.1% graduation rate sits 18.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.4% first-year retention is 14.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 66.4% return on investment is 16.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $83,580 run about 36% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $29,539 is roughly $9,658 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.5% employment rate within three years sits 24.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,539 is about $9,658 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 27.9% trails the national share by 10.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of San Diego, a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA, secures an A- grade in our latest review. It holds a #173 overall ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 91.4% of first-year students return; 81.1% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 81.9%. Return on investment currently measures 66.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,539 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $83,503.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $53,964 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $83,580 five years after graduation. That sits about 36% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.5%.
The ROI comes in near 66.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
52.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of San Diego admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-san-diego/
MLA (9th): “University of San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-san-diego/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of San Diego: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-san-diego/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of San Diego's acceptance rate?
University of San Diego's acceptance rate is 52.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of San Diego cost?
At University of San Diego, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,539 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $83,503 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $62,420. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of San Diego's ranking?
University of San Diego ranks #173 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of San Diego's graduation rate?
At University of San Diego, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 81.1% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 81.9%, and first-year retention is 91.4%.
What are University of San Diego's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of San Diego report median earnings of $83,580 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of San Diego's student population?
University of San Diego enrolls about 5,671 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492
- Website www.sandiego.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$673.5M