United States University (USU) is a private university in San Diego, California, founded in 1997 as InterAmerican College. Its later adoption of the United States University name marked a broader institutional identity than its original name suggested.
Today, USU concentrates on professional fields, particularly nursing, education, business, and technology. Its history is relevant to applicants because older references may use the InterAmerican College name, while current accreditation, admissions, and degree requirements should be checked under United States University.
United States University organizes its academic offerings around nursing and health sciences, education, and business and technology. Applicants can find undergraduate and graduate pathways rather than the broad selection of departments typical of a large research university.
Representative fields include nursing, teacher education, business administration, and computer and information sciences. Nursing applicants should distinguish programs for people entering the profession from those designed for already licensed nurses; prerequisites, clinical placements, and authorization to practice can differ substantially. Education applicants likewise need to establish whether a particular degree leads toward a California credential or is intended for professional development without licensure.
United States University is based in San Diego, California. Its location matters most for students whose programs require in-person classes, laboratories, clinical experiences, or supervised fieldwork; other coursework may be completed online.
San Diego offers public transit and access to regional health care, schools, and employers, but a local address does not mean every required placement is near campus. Applicants considering an online program should ask where any in-person requirements can be completed and whether their state of residence affects enrollment or professional licensure eligibility.
USU presents its educational purpose as making career-focused higher education accessible to a diverse student population. That emphasis is consistent with its professional programs and flexible study options, but a mission statement describes institutional aims rather than measured student outcomes.
For prospective students, the useful test is program-specific: whether the schedule, academic support, required practical experience, and intended credential match their circumstances. In fields such as nursing and teaching, that also means checking the precise route from a degree to any required professional license or certification.
Name of the institution
United States UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1997United States University is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.