University of San Diego
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University of San Diego: Popular Programs & Ranking

  • B+ Shiksha Grade
  • Private University
  • Institute Icon180 acre campus
  • Estd. 1949
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 3 Dec '24, by Anurag Pal (Study Abroad Expert)

About USD

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Year of establishment
1949
Also known as
USD
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
757
Campus size
180 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 503 million
Scholarships granted
4097
Scholarship amount granted
USD 141 million
Application fees
USD 55
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
519
Faculty/Student ratio
13
Male/Female ratio
1.32
UG/PG course ratio
0.92
Total criminal offences
212
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

64%

Hispanic

24%

Asian

7%

Black

3%

UG Student residence

In state

54%

Out of state

41%

Foreign

4%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

95%

25 and over

4%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

14334
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.83
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

5669
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

3146
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Why do Indian students choose to study at University Of san Diego?

A: 

Indian students choose to study at the University of San Diego (USD) for several reasons:

  • Tailored online courses: USD Online offers tailored online courses in India, designed to extend access to postgraduate programs for students who are unable to study on-campus.
  • Partnership with AVENU Learning: USD has partnered with AVENU Learning to tailor the entire student experience for Indian learners, from recruitment to coursework to faculty.
  • Study abroad opportunities: Located in one of the world's most culturally diverse urban areas, USD students and faculty members have exceptional opportunities to learn, apply theory, and discover fresh approaches to leading meaningful lives.
  • High rankings: USD has high rankings in various programs such as Business, Nursing, Law, Engineering, and more.
  • International student support: USD is one of the best quality educations for Indian students, as College Factual ranks it as 183rd best out of 662 total colleges and universities. 

Q:   Is the University of San Diego hard to get into?

A: 

The University of San Diego acceptance rate is 53%. With an acceptance rate of 53%, the university is moderately selective in admissions. It is not very hard to get into the University of San Diego, however, it is not very easy either. International students are advised to check the minimum eligibility for their course before applying at the University of San Diego.

Read More: USD Admissions

Q:   Is SAT score required for admission at University of San Diego?

A: 

International undergrad students can apply to the University of San Diego through the Common App and submit required materials such as transcripts. However, USD test free policy does not make it mandatory to submit the SAT/ACT score. Applicants can still apply without the SAT. However, international students are required submit English language test proficiency score through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. 

Q:   Does the University of San Diego offer scholarships for international students?

A: 

Yes, the University of San Diego offers a number of scholarships to international students. Some of the most popular scholarships are:

Scholarships

Award

Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

USD 18,000 – USD 25,000

Dean’s Graduate Merit Scholars

Variable

Athletic

Up to full tuition fee waiver

Q:   What is the deadline for admission at University of San Diego?

A: 

The University of San Diego admissions deadline varies as per the programme offered, However, the general deadline for Spring 2025 is Oct 1, 2024 for UG applicants and Oct 16, 2024 (tentative) for PG applicants. International students are required to submit other application materials such as transcripts, test scores and visa documents.

USD Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   What is the minimum eligibility for merit scholarships at the University of San Diego?

A: 

Awards of the Undergraduate Merit Scholarships are automatically determined by the office of undergraduate admissions. Eligibility for these scholarships are as follows:

  • Scholarships are awarded based on superior academic performance
  • Only freshman applicants are eligible
  • Students must maintain a CGPA of 3.0 and full-time status

Q:   What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at University Of san Diego?

A: 

Here are some of the minimum GPA requirements for scholarships at USD:

  • Coyote Beginnings/Commitment Scholarships or Grants:
    $1,500 per year or greater requires a 3.0 GPA.
    Awards of $1,000 or less require a 2.5 GPA
  • Mickelson and Presidential Alumni Scholarships:
    Require a 3.5 cumulative GPA
  • Renewable Scholarships:
    Generally contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, unless otherwise noted.
  • Merit Scholarship:
    If the cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher, the merit scholarship is renewed. If not, the student is not eligible for the merit scholarship. 

Q:   What are the top Scholarships for Indian Students at University Of san Diego and how to avail them?

A: 

The University of San Diego offers scholarships and fellowships for American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students, including the DAR American Indian Scholarship and the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGC) fellowships and loans for service. The University of San Diego also offers a special scholarship programme for students in India enrolling in their online programs. Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2024 is a partial funding scholarship available for international students. 

Q:   Does the University of San Diego offer any scholarships to international students?

A: 

Yes, the University of San Diego offers scholarship opportunities for international students such as Alcala, Trustee, and Presidential scholarships. The scholarships are awarded based on student’s academic performance and community involvement. Scholarships usually range from USD 18,000 TO USD 28,000 (INR 15,03,564 to INR 23,38,877). However, only freshman applicants are eligible for merit scholarships. Also, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and full time status (12-18 units each semester) to be eligible for scholarships.

USD Admission Dates 2025

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNot required
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall1ˢᵗ May 2025
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   How do you apply to the University of San Diego?

A: 

The University of San Diego offers a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students applying to the University of San Diego can use the following pathways to apply online.

Level of Study

Pathways

Undergraduate

Common Application and Accompanying USD Member Questions

Postgraduate

USD Website

Q:   What was the acceptance rate for University of San Diego admissions?

A: 
The acceptance rate at University of San Diego for Fall 2020 admissions was reported at 48.7%. This means that for every 100 applicants, 49 were admitted. Hence, the University admissions are moderately selective.

Q:   Are there many students from other countries studying at University Of san Diego?

A: 

Yes, there are many students from other countries studying at the University of San Diego (USD). The top three countries represented by USD international students and scholars are China, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. More than 70% of USD's undergraduate students participate in international programs ranging from coursework, research, and internships to community engagement. The university offers study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students to live and study in over 30 countries for a year, semester, summer, or intersession. Additionally, USD hosts international students and scholars from more than 70 countries around the world. 

Q:   Can an average Indian student join the University Of San Diego?

A: 

The University of San Diego (USD) accepts international students, including those from India. For undergraduate admission, the university expects students to be at the top of their class with a GPA of 3.93. Additionally, students admitted to USD have an average SAT score of 1190-1370 or an ACT score of 26-31. The acceptance rate for international students at the University of San Diego is 53%. The application deadline for international students at the University of San Diego was December 1st. 

Q:   What are the deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at the University of San Diego?

A: 

For Indian students, the admission deadlines for postgraduate programs at the University of San Diego are as follows:

  • For undergraduate programs, the admission deadline is November 15 for Early Action and January 15 for Regular Decision. Additionally, the university encourages students to submit their applications as early as possible, as applications are processed on a rolling basis. 

USD Fees & Eligibility

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
BBA(3 courses)
INR 47 L - 49 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses)
INR 47 L - 48 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
MBA/PGDM(4 courses)
INR 24 L - 44 L
Duration10-36 months
Exam AcceptedGMAT: 500 - 610, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
MIM(2 courses)
INR 36 L - 44 L
Duration10 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedGMAT: 550 - 560, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
INR 28 L
Duration22 months
Exam AcceptedGMAT, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above
MS(1 course)
INR 27 L
Duration20 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above
Read more
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   How much is the University of San Diego tuition fee?

A: 

The tuition fee at the University of San Diego will depend on the type of course and level of study. Below we have given the tuition fee for some popular courses at the University of San Diego.

Course

Average Annual Fee

BBA

INR 37.80 L

MBA/PGDM

INR 23.50 L – 35.20 L

BE/BTech

INR 37.80 L

Q:   What are the requirements to get into the University of San Diego?

A: 

The minimum admission requirements for the University of San Diego will vary from course to course and depend on the level of study. However, we have given below the checklist for admission requirements for international students.

  • Complete Common Application, including USD Member Questions
  • Official class 12 mark sheet
  • One academic letter of recommendation
  • Essay
  • English language proficiency
  • Official course-by-course evaluation of any foreign college/post-secondary transcripts

Read More: University of San Diego Admissions

Q:   What are the English language requirements at the University of San Diego for international students?

A: 

The University of San Diego requires international students to prove English language proficiency. Below we have given the minimum English language requirements for international students.

Course

Minimum Score

TOEFL iBT

80

IELTS

6.5

DET

115

Q:   How expensive is it to live at University Of san Diego?

A: 

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated annual student expenses are as follows:
Tuition: $52,120
Fees: $744-$810
Room and Board: $15,156-$16,580
Books and Supplies: $1,080-$1,104
Additionally, on-campus room and board are provided for $16,246 per academic year, and students' budget for miscellaneous and other living expenses, is estimated to be around $2,979 for on-campus students and $4,761 for off-campus students. 

Q:   Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for University Of san Diego?

A: 

The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for graduate admission is 85, but specific departments/programs may have different requirements. The School of Leadership and Education Sciences at USD requires a minimum TOEFL score of 83 for the internet-based test and 237 for the computer-based test. The official TOEFL scores, which are not more than 2 years old and have a minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT, must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Services (ETS) TOEFL using USD’s Institution code 4849.

USD Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What are the popular sectors that Indian students prefer for doing part-time jobs at the University of San Diego?

A: 

The University of San Diego offers various part-time employment opportunities for students, both on and off campus. These opportunities include positions in academic, administrative, and recreation-oriented offices, as well as other on-campus employment options. Students can access these job opportunities through the University of San Diego's Student Employment Center (SEC) and the Employment Opportunities at USD portal. Additionally, the university also provides Federal Work-Study (FWS) positions for eligible students, further expanding the options for part-time employment on campus. 

Q:   How much do the University of San Diego graduates make?

A: 

The annual salary of the University of San Diego graduates is USD 66,477 per year. Whereas, the salary range of graduates of USD are USD 15,000 – USD 300,000 per year. The average annual starting salary by industry:

Industry

Salary

Accounting/Auditing

USD 69,828

Education, Child Development and Family Services

USD 42,600

Energy and Utilities

USD 66,802

Engineering and Design

USD 76,703

Finance and Banking

USD 73,385

Q:   Who hires from the University of San Diego?

A: 

Each year hundreds of companies come to the campus of USD to hire new graduates. However, some of the top companies that hire USD graduates are:

Top Employers

EY

General Atomics

PwC

E&J Gallo Winery

Deloitte

Northrop Grumman

Rescue Agency

San Diego Padres

CBRE

Rady Children’s Hospital

Thermo Fisher Scientific

NBC Universal

Read More: University of San Diego Placements

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing an MBA from University of San Diego?

A: 

Students' reviews for the MBA programme at the University of San Diego are generally positive. The Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego has been recognised among the best on-campus MBA programs by the Princeton Review. However, some students have expressed that the main attraction of the programme is its potential to rank higher in the future rather than its current standing. Recent graduates from the MBA programme at the University of San Diego have reported high levels of satisfaction, with 96% of graduates saying they would recommend the programme to others. 







USD Rankings 2025

B+Overall University Grade
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   What is the ranking of the University of San Diego?

A: 

The University of San Diego is one of the finest institutions of higher education in the United States. The university is consistently ranked among the best and top universities in the world. The QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked the University of San Diego in the range of #1201-1400 in the world. Whereas, the U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked the University of San Diego #97 in the national university rankings.

Read More: USD Rankings

Q:   Is the University of San Diego a good business school?

A: 

The University of San Diego offers a number of business and management programs including an MBA through its Knauss School of Business. The business school of USD is highly ranked and a prestigious business school in the country.

Ranking Publisher 

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2023 (Global MBA)

#201-250

US News and World Report (Graduate Business School)

#85

US News and World Report (UG Business)

#128

Q:   Is the University of San Diego School of Law good?

A: 

The University of San Diego offers a number of law courses through its School of Law. The School of Law of USD is a top law school in the country. Below we have given the US News and World Report rankings for the school of law of USD.

US News and World Report Rankings

Year

#36

2021

#46

2022

#45

2023

Q:   What is the rank of University Of san Diego in the world?

A: 

The University of San Diego holds the following rankings:
#98 in National Universities according to the U.S. News Best Colleges
#54 in Best Value Schools, #62 in Undergraduate Teaching, and #65 in Best Colleges for Veterans according to the university's official website
#1201-1400 in the QS World University Rankings 2024
Additionally, it is ranked 6th among the Best Catholic Colleges in America and 9th in Best College Campuses in America according to Niche rankings. 

Q:   What is the University of San Diego campus ranked?

A: 

The Princeton Review has ranked University of San Diego among the most beautiful campuses in the US. It is placed at No. 1 rank on the list of Top 25 Most Beautiful Campuses in the US. The USD 180-acre space overlooks the city of San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, mountains, beaches, and the Mexican border are all a short drive from campus.

USD
College comparison

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Compare USD with other similar colleges

BBA
B.E. / B.Tech
MBA/PGDM
MIM
Executive MBA/PGDM
MS
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

USD

INR 46.93 L - 49.23 LB+#1201 QS, 2025
INR 49.06 L - 50.49 LB+#1201 QS, 2025

University of Pacific

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INR 46.64 LB+#1201 QS, 2025

Ole Miss

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INR 22.6 L - 22.74 LB++#851 QS, 2025
INR 12.99 L - 16.21 L-/- -/-

TAMUCC

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INR 17.72 LC++#299 US News, 2024
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Study in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
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20 hours per week
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12 months
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Washington D.C.
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334.23M (2023)
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2%
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Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
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Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country

Q:   How much does it cost to live in San Diego?

A: 

As per the numbeo.com, San Diego is 263.6% more expensive than Delhi (without rent). A single person estimated monthly costs are USD 1,423 without rent. Also, rent in San Diego on average is about 1,030% higher than in Delhi. A family of four estimated monthly costs are USD 4,976 without rent.

Q:   What is the cost of a student visa for the USA?

A: 

The United States of America offers three types of visas to students; F-1, J-1 and M-1. So, the cost of a student visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The US visa cost for a F-1 student visa is USD 185. F-1 visa is for international students who are applying for a programme in any American university that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week. J-1 student visa is for exchange students, and M-1 student visa is for students enrolled in vocational and non-academic programs.

Read More: USA Student Visa

USD 
FAQs

Q:   How many alumni of University of San Diego have graduated till date?

A: 
As per the recent data of 2020, the University of San Diego who are 77,143 in number in total, are living in 50 American states and across 100 countries, with 64% living in California itself.

Q:   Does the University of San Diego accept international students?

A: 

Yes, the University of San Diego accepts international students from all around the world. Each year, USD receives thousands of applications from across the United States and around the world. Currently, there are over 9,000+ students enrolled at USD, out of which 6% are international students and 43% are minority students coming from 85 countries around the world and 50 states across the USA.

Q:   Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at University Of san Diego?

A: 

Yes, getting part-time jobs while studying at the University of San Diego is easy. The university has a Student Employment Center (SEC) that assists students in finding part-time employment on or off campus. Many departments offer flexible work shifts to accommodate students' class schedules. Additionally, there are many part-time job opportunities available in San Diego, including college student part-time jobs and part-time SDSU jobs. 

Q:   What is University of San Diego famous for?

A: 

The University of San Diego is known for the following aspects:
Academics: USD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. The university is ranked #98 in National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges.
Student Life: There are more than 100 student organizations on campus, including over 10 fraternities and sororities
Athletics: USD's sports teams are members of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference, with the football team competing in the NCAA Division I-AA Pioneer League.
History: USD's history dates back to 1937 when Bishop Charles Francis Buddy assumed stewardship of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego.

Prominent alumni: Jim Parsons, Jonny Kim, and Riley Adams, among others.

qna

USD

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents to the university. The University of San Diego requirements for international students are given below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Essay
  • Academic letter of recommendation
  • Applicat

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The University of California San Diego is clearly superior to USD if ranking and prestige are significant considerations. This internationally renowned public research university is a member of the esteemed University of California system. Students can check the comparison below between the two:

Particular

University of California San Diego

University of San Diego

US News National University Rankings 2024

#109

#29

Acceptance Rate

47%

25%

Graduation Rate

72%

75%

Student Faculty Ratio

13:1

19:1

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The University of San Diego received over 5,000 undergraduate admissions from various ethnicities. The total number of international students was 408. In addition, ethnicities and races such as White, non-Hispanic; and Hispanic, Latino were more than the rest of other communities. Students can check

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

With a 47% acceptance rate, the University of San Diego is moderately competitive to get into. Students with above-average academic performance still have a better chance of selection. The university follows certain criteria and considers factors such as class rank, academic GPA, participation in ex

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The University of San Diego expects a minimum cumulative score of 3 on a 4 scale. Students whose GPA score is between 2.5 and 3 must submit a statement of purpose and those who scored a GPA between 2 and 2.5 must submit a GMAT/GRE score along with the other requirements. Students must have a bachelo

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Anurag Pal

Study Abroad Expert

A science enthusiast, Anurag has pursued his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Delhi University and his Master of Science in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Having recently entered the study abroad domain, Anurag is thorough with the ...Read Full Bio
USD Others(1)University Front
USD Others(2)Around the Campus
USD Others(3)Hughes Administration Center
USD Others(1)
USD Others(2)

USD
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CitySan Diego, California, USA
Size of cityLarge
Population of City14,19,516

USD
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
University of San Diego CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 US

Visit official site External Link Icon

USD
Contact Information

Address

5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
San Diego ( California)

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