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University of San Diego

San Diego, CA·Private nonprofit·5,619 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students considering a private nonprofit institution in California. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $71,100 within 10 years; strong 82% graduation rate.

47%
Accept
5,619
Students
N/A
Net Price
82%
Grad Rate
$71,100
Earnings
10 yr
$22,940
Debt

About This School

University of San Diego is a private nonprofit institution located in San Diego, California with approximately 5,619 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 47% of applicants. In-state tuition is $56,444 per year. The graduation rate is 82%, and the typical graduate earns $71,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California, United States. Chartered in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, the two institutions merged in 1972.

This is a strong option for students who want a mid-sized Catholic university experience in one of the country's most desirable cities, with a 90% freshman retention rate and 82% graduation rate suggesting students generally stay and succeed once enrolled. The financial picture is reasonable — median debt of $22,940 is on the lower end for a private school, and median earnings of $71,100 at 10 years out offer solid return on that investment. At a 47% acceptance rate, it's selective without being a long shot, making it a realistic target for motivated but not exclusively top-tier applicants.

Founded
1949

Notable Alumni

Jim ParsonsRobert KardashianChris BauerRyan ZinkeJonny KimMike BrownPhilippa MarrackSalvatore J. CordileoneAnna Maria Corazza BildtBrooke RaboutouMatthew DominickEdy Ganem

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$56,444
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,444
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$22,940

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
82%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
90%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$71,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,940
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,940
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$54,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$71,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White46%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino26%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,619 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

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Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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