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    University of San Diego

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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    Overview

    University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in San Diego, California. There are currently 5,619 undergraduates at USD and the school’s acceptance rate is 47%. The tuition at USD is $56,444.

    USD is affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith. Many schools have religious affiliations but only some of them incorporate their affiliation in a way that shapes the student experience. If you have any questions about the role of the Roman Catholic faith at USD, be sure to reach out to their admissions officers.

    University of San Diego
    University University
    Universities are big schools that offer a diverse range of academic programs, often across different schools. Most universities include both undergraduate and graduate studies. Students can expect large lecture halls, a wide variety of extracurriculars, and access to research opportunities.
    11 City
    Colleges in cities offer easy access to jobs, internships, and entertainment. These colleges provide plenty of opportunities but may include higher living costs and a busier environment than other campuses. Some urban schools have traditional campuses, while others blend into the city.
    https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/usd-supplemental-essay/ Supplemental
    Essay
    University of San Diego asks applicants to complete a supplemental essay. Check out the “Admissions” section for a free essay guide written by Scholarships360!

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $79,444

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $48,179

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $31,265

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition & Fees
    $56,444
    Books & Supplies
    $938
    Room & Board
    $18,084
    Other
    $3,978

    Estimated Cost:

    $79,444

    The sticker price at USD is $79,444. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at USD would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    University of San Diego Financial Aid

    To apply for financial aid at University of San Diego, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


    The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.


    The FAFSA code for University of San Diego is 010395.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at USD

    If you reside in California and are considering USD, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.

    Pell Grants at University of San Diego

    20% of students at University of San Diego receive Pell Grants.


    The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at USD. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:


    Admissions

    47%

    Admission Rate

    Does USD have a supplemental essay?

    Yes, University of San Diego includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer USD's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.


    USD Supplemental Essay Guide

    Is USD test-optional?

    University of San Diego is test-blind, which means that it does not allow applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that they won’t consider these scores from any applicant. Decisions are based more heavily on grades, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.

    What is the application deadline at USD?

    December
    1

    Regular Decision

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 14:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 82%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    36%

    36% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Social Sciences

    11%

    11% of graduates

    Engineering

    10%

    10% of graduates

    Psychology

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    2%

    2% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Architecture

    1%

    1% of graduates

    History

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Liberal Arts & Humanities

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Mathematics

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 5,619

    Pell Grant 19%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 4%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 1%

    Percent Male / Female 44% / 56%

    Ethnic Diversity at USD

    46% White

    26% Hispanic

    8% Multiracial

    7% Asian / Pacific Islander

    6% International / Non-Citizen

    5% Black

    3% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $86,522

    Median Debt $22,940

    Debt 10 years after graduation $243

    Graduation Rate 82%

    What is the graduation rate at University of San Diego?

    82% of students who start at University of San Diego finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 24% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of University of San Diego go on to earn?

    The median income of students 10 years after starting at University of San Diego is $86,522. This is $36,131 more than the national median.


    This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from University of San Diego who received federal financial aid.


    Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at USD take out in loans?

    Graduates of USD take out a median of $22,940 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

    If you represent University of San Diego and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.

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