University of San Diego
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 109(↓11) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: USD
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: 4-1-4 (Four-one-four plan)
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
School Chief: James T. Harris III, D.Ed. (President)
Website: www.sandiego.edu/; Phone: 6192604600
Location: 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, 92110-2492
University of San Diego Important Facts
Trends in Tuition and Student Outcomes at the University of San Diego
The data from the University of San Diego reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. Tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has seen a consistent rise, growing from approximately $41,392 in 2014 to $56,444 in 2024. This increase, which reflects a 36.5% rise over the decade, highlights the growing burden of higher education costs—a concern that resonates with many prospective students and their families, especially considering inflation and economic factors.
In contrast, enrollment figures show a slight fluctuation, with undergraduate students increasing from 5,665 in 2014 to an estimated 5,726 in 2024. This relatively stable enrollment number, despite rising tuition, suggests that the university maintains strong demand. However, the graduate student population indicates a positive trend, climbing from 2,656 in 2014 to an estimated 3,384 in 2024. This increase may reflect the institution's efforts to bolster graduate programs and cater to workforce demand for advanced degrees.
Equally notable is the graduation rate, which has generally improved, with the on-time graduation rate peaking at approximately 68.8% in 2023, compared to just 64.2% in 2014. This upward trend suggests enhancements in academic support and retention strategies at the university. Retention rates have also remained high, hovering around 90%, reflecting a commitment to student success that encourages students to persist until graduation.
Overall, while the rising cost of tuition poses challenges for many, the consistent graduation rates and persistent student demand indicate that the University of San Diego continues to deliver value to its student body amidst a rapidly changing landscape in higher education.
University of San Diego Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduate Programs at the University of San Diego
The graduate data from the University of San Diego reveals distinctive trends in various academic disciplines for the year 2023, particularly focusing on advanced degrees. Notably, the Law program stands out due to its high number of doctoral graduates, with 223 individuals obtaining a doctorate, indicating a robust commitment to legal scholarship and research within this discipline. On the contrary, no bachelor's or master's degrees were awarded in this field, suggesting a specialized pathway for students directly pursuing doctoral education.
In the realm of business education, the Finance program reported 131 bachelor's degrees, along with 13 international students, showcasing its appeal among both domestic and global students. This aligns with the growing demand for financial expertise in today's economy—demonstrating the University’s role in equipping students for careers in a competitive job market.
Psychology, another area of inquiry, produced 109 bachelor's degrees and attracted one international student. However, it did not report any master's or doctoral graduates. This may reflect the broader trend of students seeking immediate employment post-bachelor’s rather than pursuing higher degrees in this increasingly popular field.
Moreover, the Communication program also performed well, with 82 bachelor graduates and a small group of international students. This reflects an ongoing interest in communication skills, critical for today’s interconnected world.
Overall, while some programs like Law are heavily focused on doctoral education, others such as Finance and Communication highlight the varying student interests and market needs. These trends are critical as universities strive to balance their offerings to meet both academic pursuits and the demands of the workforce.
University of San Diego Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Admissions and Ranking Trends at the University of San Diego
The University of San Diego (USD) has witnessed significant fluctuations in its ranking and admissions data over the past 15 years. Most notably, the university reached a peak rank of 85 in 2019, but the latest data from 2025 indicates a decline to 109, suggesting increased competition in higher education. This drop can be concerning as institutions strive for higher rankings to attract prospective students. In terms of admission rates, USD's acceptance rates for both male and female applicants show a complex trend. The acceptance rate for males was approximately 49.5% in 2011, decreasing to about 48.8% in 2024, while the female acceptance rate showed only slight variance hovering around 52%. This relatively stable rate, juxtaposed with a declining rank, may imply that while the university is maintaining a steady flow of applicants, it faces considerable challenges in enhancing its desirability among potential students. Furthermore, the university's enrollment appears to be relatively consistent, averaging between 1,000 to 1,300 students annually. In the context of increasing selectivity, which is often seen as a response to climbing rankings, the decrease in acceptance rates is a strategic move to enhance the academic profile of incoming classes. However, if USD fails to address the decline in its ranking, it may find itself in a challenging position as it seeks to cultivate a competitive academic environment while attracting high-caliber students. In conclusion, USD's journey is representative of the broader higher education landscape where institutions grapple with maintaining enrollments and improving rankings amid rising competition. Sustaining student interest while addressing declining rankings will be crucial for USD moving forward.
University of San Diego Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Analysis of Admission Test Trends at the University of San Diego
The data on admission test scores at the University of San Diego over the years reveals significant trends in applicant statistics and performance metrics. Notably, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has shown a steady decline from 90% in 2007 to just 69% by 2020 and consistently thereafter. This trend may reflect broader changes in college admissions policies, as many institutions are moving towards test-optional or test-blind policies, which has become a more common practice in recent years, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When examining the SAT reading and math scores, the lower quartile (25th percentile) and upper quartile (75th percentile) scores have also shown gradual improvement over the years. For instance, the upper quartile scores for reading and math have increased from 630 and 640 in 2007 to 680 in 2020. This shift indicates that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do are achieving higher performance levels, which might suggest a more competitive applicant pool.
Moreover, as the number of applicants submitting scores decreases, the university appears to be shaping a more academically rigorous standard for those who choose to submit their test results. It will be interesting to see how these trends affect future admission strategies and student demographics at the University of San Diego as universities continue to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The overall decline in submission rates could ultimately lead to a more holistic review process that evaluates applicants based on a wider range of criteria beyond standardized test scores.
University of San Diego Students Diversity
Demographic Analysis of University of San Diego Students (2024)
The student body of the University of San Diego in 2024 showcases a diverse array of demographics, particularly concerning gender and ethnicity among various student classifications. There are 1,245 first-year students, constituting a slightly larger percentage of female students at 58% compared to 42% male students. This trend of higher female representation continues among sophomores and graduate students as well, where the respective distributions are 56% female to 44% male for sophomores, and 58.4% female to 41.6% male for graduate students. This consistent pattern suggests that the university might be attracting a more female-oriented demographic across most undergraduate and graduate programs.
Another noteworthy aspect is the presence of transfer students, where males account for a majority with 55.9% while females comprise 44.1%. This notable shift could indicate particular trends in transfer admissions or may point to differences in academic pathways pursued by male versus female students.
When it comes to ethnicity, the data reveals a significant representation of White students across all categories, with first-year students having 528 White members. The focus on diversity remains important as institutions strive to create inclusive environments that reflect the broader society, particularly amidst ongoing national dialogues about equity in education and representation in higher learning.
Overall, the demographic composition at the University of San Diego mirrors trends seen nationwide, where female students are increasingly leading enrollments, and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are being prioritized alongside gender inclusivity. These patterns may influence university policies and support systems to cater effectively to the evolving student population.
University of San Diego Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at University of San Diego
The age demographics at the University of San Diego reveal a diverse and dynamic student body, reflecting trends observed in higher education across the United States. The largest groups are those aged 18-19 and 20-21, accounting for a significant portion of the student population. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-aged students, which aligns with national patterns where younger students typically dominate undergraduate programs.
In particular, the data shows that 67% of undergraduate males and 96% of undergraduate females fall within the 18-21 age range. This highlights not only the attractiveness of USD to young students but also emphasizes the importance of catering to the needs and interests of this demographic, especially as they transition directly from high school to college.
Interestingly, there is a noticeable decrease in enrollment numbers for students aged 22 and older, particularly among those between 25 and 29, which may suggest challenges for non-traditional students in balancing education with other life responsibilities. Graduate students, particularly males in the 30-34 age bracket, represent a notable percentage of the student population and indicate a growing trend of adult learners returning to education, likely driven by the need for upskilling in an ever-evolving job market.
Overall, the University of San Diego seems to have cultivated an environment that supports both younger and older learners, which is crucial for fostering diversity and enhancing the educational experience for all students.
University of San Diego International Students Trends
Commentary on International Student Trends at the University of San Diego
The data on international student enrollment at the University of San Diego reveal a notable upward trend in the undergraduate population over the years, particularly from 2005 to 2019. The percentage of international undergraduate students increased from 1.98% in 2005 to a peak of 10.09% in 2019. This increase may reflect broader trends in the mobility of students seeking diverse educational experiences in the United States, as well as the university’s efforts to enhance its global reputation.
However, the number of international graduate students shows fluctuations, reaching a peak percentage of 7.51% in 2017, subsequently declining to 4.85% by 2024. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changing visa policies, increased competition from other countries, and global events impacting international travel and education—particularly the ongoing effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The overall figures indicate a growing acceptance and integration of international students within the college’s learning community, which enhances cultural diversity and fosters global perspectives among domestic peers. Nonetheless, the challenges faced in the graduate population may call for renewed strategies to attract and retain these students.
As we look ahead, universities must continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of international education, striving to create welcoming environments while addressing the challenges of enrollment fluctuations. The commitment to fostering a truly international campus could further enhance the educational experience for all students at the University of San Diego.
University of San Diego Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities located around the University of San Diego:
University of California-San Diego - Ranked 29th in the 2025 US News rankings, UC San Diego is a prestigious research university known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering.
Soka University of America - This liberal arts college is ranked 45th and is renowned for its focus on international relations and peace studies.
University of California-Irvine - Holding the 33rd spot in the rankings, UC Irvine is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to research.
California Institute of Technology - This elite institution, ranked 6th, is one of the world’s leading science and engineering schools.
Harvey Mudd College - Ranked 12th, Harvey Mudd is highly regarded for its engineering, science, and mathematics programs.
Claremont McKenna College - This liberal arts college is ranked 8th and is well-known for its strong emphasis on economics and government.
These institutions not only contribute to a robust academic environment in the region but also provide diverse educational opportunities across various disciplines.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Data at the University of San Diego
The crime statistics from the University of San Diego demonstrate both fluctuations and trends across the recent years. Starting from 2013, the average crime rate was relatively high at 14.21 per 1000 students, gradually decreasing in subsequent years until a marked increase in 2017, which peaked at 18.48. This spike raises concerns, especially in the context of campus safety as universities strive to provide secure environments for their students.
The year 2021 stands out for its remarkably low crime rate of only 2.93 per 1000 students. This could reflect the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in reduced on-campus activities and overall student presence. Conversely, the data from 2022 shows a slight rise in crime rate to 11.10, indicating a possible return to a more normalized student life with associated risks.
Regarding specific offenses, arrests related to weapons have been reported alongside substance-related incidents. These offenses not only impact campus security but also the well-being of the student body. While the majority of crimes appear to be below critical thresholds, continuous monitoring and preventive measures are paramount to maintaining a safe campus environment. Awareness campaigns and safety resources should be emphasized to educate the student population about potential risks.
Overall, the University of San Diego’s crime rates reflect a dynamic campus atmosphere that necessitates ongoing attention from campus security and administration. Safeguarding students’ safety should remain a top priority for higher education institutions, especially in the wake of evolving societal norms and challenges. For further insights on calculating crime rates and understanding these statistics, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Reference
- University of San Diego Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
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University of San Diego Important Facts Trends
University of San Diego degrees/majors
University of San Diego major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $51,056-$105,707 | |||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $51,056-$105,707 | |||
Research and Development Management. | $51,056-$105,707 | |||
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $51,056-$105,707 | |||
Accounting. | $69,240 | |||
Finance, General. | $64,819 | |||
International Business/Trade/Commerce. | $48,463 | |||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $56,313 | |||
Real Estate. | $54,073 | |||
Taxation. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Law. | $84,518 | |||
Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General. | $108,016 | |||
Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law. | $108,016 | |||
Comparative Law. | $108,016 | |||
Tax Law/Taxation. | $108,016 | |||
Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | $57,169 | |||
Medical Informatics. | $95,098 | |||
Nursing Administration. | $113,492-$136,098 | |||
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $113,492-$136,098 | |||
Nursing Science. | $113,492-$136,098 | |||
Nursing Practice. | $113,492-$136,098 | |||
Clinical Nurse Leader. | $113,492-$136,098 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Education, General. | $73,028 | |||
Curriculum and Instruction. | $57,559 | |||
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $58,672 | |||
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $58,672 | |||
Educational Administration and Supervision, Other. | $58,672 | |||
Educational/Instructional Technology. | - | |||
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | - | |||
Education, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $143,943 | |||
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. | $97,944 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | - | |||
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | - | |||
International Relations and Affairs. | $50,948 | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $33,040 | |||
Sociology, General. | $36,476 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $54,223 | |||
Biochemistry. | $48,728 | |||
Biophysics. | $48,728 | |||
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography. | - | |||
Neuroscience. | $33,641 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $35,595 | |||
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other. | $52,463 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering, General. | - | |||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | $80,073 | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | $77,962 | |||
Industrial Engineering. | $80,644 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Artificial Intelligence. | - | |||
Computer Science. | $104,948 | |||
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | $102,908 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | $36,480 | |||
Data Science, General. | - | |||
Business Analytics. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Communication, General. | $40,776 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - | |||
Financial Mathematics. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $22,475 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | - | |||
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Human Services, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |||
Acting. | - | |||
Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |||
Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | - | |||
Music, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Architectural History and Criticism, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - | |||
Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
French Language and Literature. | - | |||
Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Italian Studies. | - | |||
Ethnic Studies. | - |
University of San Diego Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
Grad Ranking (2025)
- Nursing School# 34(↑24)
- Law School# 68(↑10)-
- Intellectual Property Law# 18(↑4)
- Tax Law# 20(↓2)
- Constitutional Law# 22(↓1)
- Business/Corporate Law# 42(↓6)
- Contracts Law# 48(↓1)
- International Law# 52(↑6)
- Trial Advocacy# 60(↓13)
- Criminal Law# 61(↓31)
- Environmental Law# 65(↑6)
- Health Care Law# 67(↓15)
- Clinical Training# 71(↑35)
- Dispute Resolution# -(↓96)
- Legal Writing# -(↓169)
- Business School# 115(↑14)+
- Education School# 134(↑)
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
University of San Diego Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 94 | - |
Rowing | 22 | 47 |
Soccer | 28 | 30 |
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | - | 50 |
Baseball | 37 | - |
Basketball | 18 | 17 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 34 |
Softball | - | 23 |
Tennis | 10 | 8 |
Volleyball | - | 18 |
Cross Country | 12 | - |
Golf | 10 | - |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Rowing | 31 | 66 |
Football | 96 | - |
Soccer | 30 | 25 |
Cross Country | 12 | 29 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 36 |
Baseball | 34 | - |
Basketball | 15 | 19 |
Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 29 |
Softball | - | 21 |
Tennis | 10 | 8 |
Volleyball | - | 16 |
Golf | 11 | - |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 95 | - |
Rowing | 36 | 49 |
Soccer | 28 | 27 |
Baseball | 39 | - |
Track and Field, X-Country | 10 | 28 |
Swimming and Diving | - | 35 |
Basketball | 16 | 13 |
Track and Field, Outdoor | - | 28 |
Softball | - | 24 |
Tennis | 8 | 9 |
Volleyball | - | 15 |
Golf | 12 | - |
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic university located in San Diego, California. Known for its beautiful campus that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, USD offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere for students. The university was founded in 1949 and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, specifically the Diocese of San Diego. Its mission is rooted in the values of academic excellence, ethical conduct, and community service, reflecting its commitment to developing not only knowledgeable graduates but also socially responsible leaders.
USD is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education, combined with a wide array of professional programs. The university offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees and over 35 graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in law, business, and engineering. USD prides itself on its dedicated faculty members, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive quality education and personalized attention. The campus culture is vibrant, characterized by various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that encourage student involvement and camaraderie. With a strong sense of community and an emphasis on moral principles, USD prepares its graduates to excel not just academically, but also as ethical leaders in society. Graduates of USD have successfully entered diverse career fields, contributing positively to communities around the globe.