University of San Diego

The University of San Diego (USD) is an independent Catholic university in Alcalá Park, in the Linda Vista area of San Diego. Its contemporary Catholic identity and liberal arts tradition inform a broad academic offering: undergraduates can pursue majors across arts and sciences, business and engineering, while graduate and professional study extends into nursing, law, peace studies, education and leadership. For applicants, the key practical distinction is that USD is a residential campus with substantial on-campus living expectations, and its professional schools have their own admissions paths and costs.

Programs and schools

The university’s seven academic units are the College of Arts and Sciences, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, Kroc School of Peace Studies, Knauss School of Business, School of Law, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Examples of study include international relations, environmental science, biology, business analytics, finance, nursing, peace and conflict studies, counseling, education, cybersecurity engineering and data science. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education adds career-focused certificates and programs. Since requirements and degree availability vary by school, use the university’s academic directory to compare majors, graduate degrees and credentials before deciding.

Main campus: 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110; (619) 260-4600. Google Maps lists the campus open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Individual offices and academic units may keep different schedules, so contact the office you plan to visit. USD’s campus has multiple schools and facilities at this address; the university does not list separate branch campuses for its main degree programs.

Tuition, scholarships and aid

For 2026–27, USD lists annual full-time undergraduate tuition of $64,100 and estimated housing and food costs of $19,200. Actual expenses depend on housing, meal-plan choices, fees and personal costs. Most nonlocal first-year students are required to live on campus for at least two years; San Diego County residents and some transfer students may be exempt. Include that requirement when comparing the real cost with a commuter option.

The university says more than 81% of undergraduates receive some financial assistance, including scholarships and need-based aid. Most entering students are automatically considered for merit awards during admission review; need-based aid requires the appropriate FAFSA, California Dream Act or USD Dream Act application. Academic programs, athletics and outside organizations also offer scholarship opportunities. The published figure for institutional grants and scholarships is more than $160 million annually, but individual eligibility and award amounts differ. Review the current tuition and financial aid information and use the net price calculator to estimate your household’s cost before making a commitment.

Applying and visiting

Undergraduate applicants use the Common Application, with early action, early decision and regular decision options for first-year students; transfer and international applicants follow separate instructions. Nursing, engineering, law and other graduate programs set their own admission requirements and deadlines. Start at the university’s undergraduate admission page or choose your professional school’s admissions section. Campus visits and virtual connections are available through admissions; check current scheduling and parking guidance before going.

What students say

Recent student comments often praise the landscaped campus, small classes and professors who know students personally; some also describe a strong social community and meaningful academic opportunities. Other reviewers say USD’s price is difficult to justify, and experiences with campus inclusion, housing, transportation or weekend activity vary. This mix is a useful prompt to compare your aid offer with the full cost and to ask current students in your intended major about advising, class access and daily life. Read more student reviews for perspectives across different years and programs.