About

University Type

Private

University Type

US News National rank

98

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$55,382

Average Living Expenses

The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University (comprising the College for Men and School of Law), and the two institutions merged in 1972.

University of San Diego's academic offerings are wide-ranging, with over 60 undergraduate majors and 60 graduate programs. The university is home to five schools: the School of Business Administration, the School of Law, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the School of Professional Studies, and the College of Arts and Sciences.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of San Diego?

The University of San Diego acceptance rate is 48%. The tuition fees for international students at the University of San Diego for the 2023-2024 academic year:

  • Undergraduate tuition: $55,690
  • Graduate tuition: $58,390
  • Non-resident supplemental tuition: $32,574

In addition to tuition, international students will also need to factor in the cost of living, which can be high in San Diego. An international student's estimated cost of living in University of San Diego is $25,000 annually.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of San Diego

  • Academic Excellence: University of San Diego is a top-ranked university, consistently ranked among the best in the nation for its academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields.
  • Beautiful Campus: University of San Diego's campus is located in the heart of San Diego, just minutes from the beach and downtown. The campus is beautifully landscaped and features a variety of amenities, including a student union, a library, and a number of athletic facilities.
  • Diverse Student Body: University of San Diego's student body is diverse, with students from all over the world. The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background.
  • Commitment to Social Justice: University of San Diego is committed to social justice and global engagement. The university offers a number of programs and initiatives that promote social change, and its students are encouraged to get involved in the community.
  • Location: University of San Diego is located in San Diego, California, a beautiful and vibrant city. San Diego is home to a number of attractions, including the beach, the San Diego Zoo, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Courses

Cost of Studying at University of San Diego

Average tuition fee

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$76,700

Average living expenses (Masters)

$55,382

Admissions at The University of San Diego

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

52%

Application Fee

$45 - $125

How to Apply at University of San Diego

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $55 (Non-Refundable).
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores:  SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher recommendation
    • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
    • Translation of documents

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $55 (Non-Refundable).
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Two letters of teacher recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to University of San Diego

Undergraduate Students

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test scores.
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial documentation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form 
    • Passport
    • Visa

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
  • GRE/GMAT scores 
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test scores.
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (Relevant work experience)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Portfolio

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By University of San Diego

Undergraduate Students

  • Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

  • Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test scores.
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Rankings for The University of San Diego

US News Ranking

#98

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#601-800

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#1201-1400

QS World University Rankings

More rankings for this university

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Students University of San Diego

9

Yocketers applied

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4

Yocketers admitted

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380

Yocketers interested

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Antara Mandal

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Fall 2024

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Shubha Joshi

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Fall 2023

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International Students

% of international students in the university

6

Total International Students in the university

528

Alumni at University of San Diego

  • Jonny Kim: American physician, engineer, and NASA astronaut. He is a former Navy SEAL and served as a physician in the United States Navy. Kim was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2017.
  • Kris Bryant: American professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a two-time National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a World Series champion. Bryant played college baseball for the San Diego Toreros.
  • Frances Townsend: American lawyer and government official. She served as Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush from 2004 to 2008. Townsend is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Aspen Strategy Group.
  • Mario Testino: Peruvian fashion and portrait photographer. He has photographed some of the most famous people in the world, including Princess Diana, Madonna, and Kate Moss. Testino is a recipient of the Order of the British Empire.
  • Theo Epstein: American baseball executive. He is the president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. Epstein previously served as the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, where he led the team to two World Series championships.

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Related Discussion for the Universities

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Jeevan (20781A0364)
Jeevan (20781A0364)

10 months ago

Need University suggestions for ms in industrial engineering in us with fee less than 20k usd
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Renugopal S
Renugopal S

2 years ago

Select the best choice :- UNT MS CS with scholarship (24k usd) or ASU MS Software Engineering (62k USD)
UNT tuition costs less than 24k usd for entire course whereas ASU costs 60k usd for entire tuition #admissions #cost #ROI
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Sai Krish
Sai Krish

2 years ago

is it worthful to spend 40000 usd to do ms in ds from texas tech?
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Skdqkw Ms
Skdqkw Ms

2 years ago

Best college to study online MS in US in 20K USD budget
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Reviews for University of San Diego

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
California

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Transportation in the city

  • Public transportation: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates a bus and trolley system that can take you around the city. The MTS also offers a semester pass that is valid for unlimited rides on all MTS buses and trolleys.
  • Bicycle: San Diego is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike lanes and paths throughout the city. You can also rent a bike from a number of different companies.
  • Walking: The University of San Diego campus is very walkable, and there are also a number of sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the city.
  • Ride-hailing services: There are a number of ride-hailing services available in San Diego, such as Uber and Lyft. These services can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you are traveling with a group of people.
  • Taxis: Taxis are also available in San Diego, but they can be more expensive than ride-hailing services.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic advising: University of San Diego offers academic advising to all students, from freshmen to seniors. Advisors can help students choose courses, plan their degree programs, and navigate the university's academic bureaucracy.
  • Career counseling: University of San Diego offers career counseling to students who are looking for internships, jobs, or graduate school. Counselors can help students develop their resumes, practice their interviewing skills, and find jobs that are a good fit for their interests and skills.
  • Financial aid: University of San Diego offers financial aid to students who need help paying for their education. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
  • Student health services: University of San Diego has a student health center that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. The student health center also offers a variety of preventive health services, such as vaccinations and health screenings.
  • Recreational sports: University of San Diego offers a variety of recreational sports programs, including intramurals, club sports, and outdoor adventure programs. These programs are a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun.
  • Student life: University of San Diego has a vibrant student life that includes a variety of clubs, organizations, and events. There is something for everyone at University of San Diego, whether you are interested in academics, athletics, the arts, or social justice.

Student life at University of San Diego

  • Get involved in student organizations: There are over 400 student organizations at University of San Diego, so you're sure to find one that interests you. From academic clubs to fraternities and sororities, there's something for everyone.
  • Attend sporting events: University of San Diego has a Division I athletics program, so you can cheer on the Toreros at home games. The university also has a number of intramural sports teams, so you can get involved in sports even if you're not a varsity athlete.
  • Take advantage of the arts: University of San Diego has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters, museums, and galleries on campus. You can also catch a performance at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies' Joan B. Kroc Theatre.
  • Explore San Diego: San Diego is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. You can visit the beach, go hiking in the mountains, or explore the city's many attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter.
  • Volunteer in the community: University of San Diego is committed to social justice, and there are many opportunities for students to volunteer in the community. You can work with local nonprofits, help with disaster relief, or simply tutor students at a local elementary school.

On campus accomodation at University of San Diego

  • First-Year Housing: First-year students are required to live on campus. There are a variety of first-year housing options available, including traditional dorms, suite-style dorms, and apartment-style living.
  • Upper-Division Housing: Upper-division students have a wider variety of housing options available to them. They can choose to live in traditional dorms, suite-style dorms, apartments, or even houses.
  • Graduate Housing: Graduate students have a variety of housing options available to them, including apartments, houses, and even co-ops.
  • Specialty Housing: University of San Diego also offers a number of specialty housing options, such as honors housing, language houses, and theme houses.

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Faculty Information

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FAQ

1. What GPA is required for the University of San Diego?
International applicants must have a 3.4 (or higher) GPA score or no grade below C.

2. What is the average tuition fee of University of San Diego?
The University of San Diego average tuition fees  is 52,272 USD (4,00,000 INR) per year. 

3. What is the acceptance rate of the University of San Diego?
University of San Diego Acceptance rate is very selective and competitive with only 48%.

4. What are the top courses available at the University of San Diego?
Business Management, Journalism, Marketing, Engineering, and other courses are among the most popular among students.

5. What are scholarship options available for international students?
University of San Diego scholarships include the Brennan Endowed Scholarship, John Ronchetto Scholarship, and more for undergraduate and postgraduate incoming students on the basis of merits and traits.