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University of San Diego

Private

San Diego, CA

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University of San Diego is a private mid-sized school in San Diego, CA, enrolling about 5,671 undergraduates. University of San Diego is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate near 52%. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services graduates, especially in Computer Science, report the strongest earnings here: a median of $149,847/year. On-campus housing isn't required, so many students live off campus.

Admissions

Admit rate52%
SAT rangeNot reported
ACT rangeNot reported
Undergrads5,671
Yield (admits who enroll)16%
Next deadlineNov 1, 2026 (ED1)

Cost & outcomes

Cost of attendance$78,720
4-year grad rate83%
Median earnings, 10yr out$86,522

From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.

Where do you stand against University of San Diego's numbers?

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How University of San Diego weighs your application

From University of San Diego's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?

Academic factors
Rigor of secondary school recordVery important
Class rankConsidered
Academic GPAVery important
Standardized test scoresNot considered
Application essayImportant
RecommendationsImportant
Nonacademic factors
InterviewConsidered
Extracurricular activitiesImportant
Talent/abilityImportant
Character/personal qualitiesImportant
First generationConsidered
Alumni relation (legacy)Not considered
Geographical residenceConsidered
State residencyNot considered
Religious affiliationNot considered
Volunteer workImportant
Work experienceConsidered
Level of interest (demonstrated interest)Considered
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See full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what University of San Diego weighs in your application

Paying it back

Undergrads taking federal loans32%
Loan balance still growing, 3yrs out80%

"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.

Majors & earnings

Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology$83,380/yr
Neurobiology and Neurosciences$72,910/yr
Biology, General$59,950/yr
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Accounting and Related Services$109,142/yr
Finance and Financial Management Services$93,099/yr
International Business$85,285/yr
Marketing$83,562/yr
Business Administration, Management and Operations$79,678/yr
Real Estate$78,044/yr
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Communication and Media Studies$68,913/yr
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Science$149,847/yr
Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$110,314/yr
Mechanical Engineering$91,848/yr
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature, General$68,752/yr
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$54,474/yr
Natural Resources and Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation and Research$58,517/yr
Psychology
Psychology, General$74,178/yr
Social Sciences
Political Science and Government$62,301/yr
International Relations and National Security Studies$61,509/yr
Sociology$54,338/yr

Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.

Campus life

On-campus housingYes
Required to live on campusNo
Dormitory capacity2,484
Typical room chargeNot reported
Typical board chargeNot reported

Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.

What matters in your application

GPARequired
Class rankConsidered, not required
RecommendationsRequired

From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.

Frequently asked questions

What does University of San Diego look for in applicants?

Per University of San Diego's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.

What is University of San Diego's acceptance rate?

University of San Diego in San Diego, CA admits approximately 52% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.

How much does University of San Diego cost?

University of San Diego's total cost of attendance is reported at $78,720 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.

When is the application deadline for University of San Diego?

University of San Diego's earliest deadline is Nov 1, 2026 (ED1), per its own published admissions calendar.

Does University of San Diego require students to live on campus?

No -- University of San Diego doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.

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