About

About University of San Diego

catholic affiliatedbusiness and premed focusdoctoral research universitymoderate selectivity

University of San Diego is a private research university in San Diego, CA, known for its catholic affiliated, business and premed focus, and doctoral research university. With an acceptance rate of 53%, USD is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 1,234 students each year. USD is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. USD offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $42,367 per year; the sticker price of $73,193 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of San Diego acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

53%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of San Diego

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
USD is a Catholic university with a strong emphasis on ethics, service, and social justice, so use your essays to show how your values or community involvement connect to those themes without forcing it. Admissions readers notice when applicants genuinely reflect on how they want to contribute to a purpose-driven community.
Test Score Strategy
Since USD is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, you are better off not submitting it and letting your GPA, essays, and activities carry your application. Focus your energy on making those parts as strong as possible.

Get a tailored strategy for University of San Diego. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of San Diego actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$73k/yr$15.6k
30k-48k~$73k/yr$17.4k
48k-75k~$73k/yr$19.6k
75k-110k~$73k/yr$27.0k
110k+~$73k/yr$47.0k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

82%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$65k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,536
Undergrad Enrollment
University of San Diego Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch