University of San Diego
San Diego, CA · Large city
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 52.4%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 15,953
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 7,458
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 1,245
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 17%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 46%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 49%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- —
- SAT math, middle 50%
- —
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- —
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- — / —
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- required
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- required
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- not considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- not considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $78,720
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $59,486
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $59,486
- Median debt at graduation
- $22,940
- Students with federal loans
- 32%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 84%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 91%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $55,049
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $86,522
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 5,671
- Graduate students
- 3,863
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 13 : 1
- Women
- 56%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 21%
- Full-time faculty
- 54%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
- Main phone
- (619) 260-4600
- Address
- 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 1 | early December |
| Early Action | November 1 | mid-December |
| Early Decision II (binding) | January 5 | late January |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | mid-March |
- Apply with
- Common App
- Application fee
- $75 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Not considered
- Essays
- 2 USD Member Questions: 1 required + 1 chosen from 3 (about 200 words each)
- Recommendations
- 1 academic letter (counselor or academic teacher)
Testing: Test-free admission for fall 2027 applicants; SAT/ACT not required
Financial aid policies
- Merit scholarships: Offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships
Source: the college’s official website and Common Data Set 2025-2026: sandiego.edu, sandiego.edu, sandiego.edu, sandiego.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.