University of San Diego
University of San Diego has an acceptance rate of 52.4%, annual tuition of $59,486, average net price of $30,365, and a national rank of #159 (Grade A-), with a 83.7% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 5,671 undergraduates, and median earnings of $85,309 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of San Diego is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering 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 64.7%, roughly 14.8 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 83.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 81.5% 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
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 | $59,486 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,918 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,446 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $78,720 |
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 20.9% 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 $15,586 to $46,989 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 $27,012/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,989/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $85,309
- 10-Year Median Earnings $86,522
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $22,940
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.1%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of San Diego graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
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 $85,309 median four years after graduation, +41% 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) 83.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 81.5%
- 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 Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 14.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.9%
- Marketing 6.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.6%
- Psychology, General 4.9%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.7%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 4.6%
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. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $118,396
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $109,018
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $107,544
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Science $104,948
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $97,127
- 6. International Business $95,368
- 7. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $84,851
- 8. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $84,844
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $84,779
- 10. Marketing $80,998
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $144,258
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $143,943
- 3. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $130,361
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $130,132
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $128,241
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $119,023
- 7. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $102,908
- 8. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $97,944
- 9. Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degree) $95,098
- 10. Education, General (Master's Degree) $87,081
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $118,396—46% more than Marketing ($80,998). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $144,258 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard 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 – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Law (First Professional Degree, 241 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 231 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 148 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 125 graduates)
- Legal Support Services (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 117 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard 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 (38 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Real Estate
- Political Science and Government
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- International Business
- Economics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Area Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Online Master's Degrees (23 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Accounting and Related Services
- Data Analytics
- Human Services, General
- Real Estate
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Taxation
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- International Business
- History
- Finance and Financial Management Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Legal Support Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
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 20.9%
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. About 20.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
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 64.7% ROI. Ranked #159 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $30,365 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $85,309 median earnings. With 83.7% 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 a A- grade and #159 ranking, University of San Diego competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $30,365 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 $21,256 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 64.7% ROI and $85,309 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $20,365+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of San Diego ranks #159 of 1947 institutions, with 913 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
- 83.7% graduation rate sits 21.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.4% first-year retention is 14.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 64.7% return on investment is 14.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $85,309 run about 41% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $30,365 is roughly $10,286 higher than the national median of $20,079.
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.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $30,365 is about $10,286 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.9% trails the national share by 13.5 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 a A- grade in our latest review. It holds a #159 national 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 (2026 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; 83.7% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 81.5%. Return on investment currently measures 64.7% 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 $30,365 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $78,720.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $48,355 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,940 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.9% 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 $85,309 four years after graduation. That sits about 41% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 88.0%.
The ROI comes in near 64.7%, 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
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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 College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of San Diego cost?
At University of San Diego, listed tuition and fees are $59,486 per year, and the average net price after aid is $30,365. 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 #159 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 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 83.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 81.5%, 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 $85,309 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal 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 College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 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