
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492, USA


The University of San Diego holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized accrediting agency that ensures the institution meets high standards of educational quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation covers the university's overall academic programs and operations, providing assurance to prospective students about the legitimacy and value of their education.
Additionally, several of the university's professional schools and programs maintain specialized accreditations. For instance, the School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association, which signifies that its law program adheres to rigorous legal education standards required for graduates to pursue legal careers nationwide. Similarly, the School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of business schools globally, reflecting excellence in business education and faculty qualifications.
Other programs may hold additional programmatic or professional accreditations that affirm their quality and relevance to career fields, supporting students' preparation for professional licensure or certification. Such accreditations underscore the university's commitment to maintaining standards that meet or exceed industry expectations, which is an important consideration for students aiming to enter competitive job markets.
Admission to University of San Diego requires applicants to have completed a high school education or an equivalent, specifically a General Educational Development (GED) certification. Prospective students must submit a comprehensive secondary school record along with their high school GPA. Recommendations and a college program application are mandatory components of the application process.
Although submission of standardized test scores is generally recommended, the university does require TOEFL scores from applicants for whom English is not a first language. Other test scores may be suggested but are not strictly required. The institution does not follow an open admission policy and does not offer credit for dual enrollment or college credit via other transcripts, but it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Applicants cannot lease computers to fulfill any admission computer requirements, as no personal computer ownership is mandated. The university receives an average number of applications, with a competitive acceptance rate of 47%, placing it among institutions with relatively selective admissions.
The University of San Diego requires prospective undergraduate students to pay a nonrefundable application fee when submitting their application. This fee is standard practice and helps cover the administrative cost of processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet certain eligibility criteria.
Students who qualify for fee waivers can submit supporting documentation as part of their application to have the fee waived, thereby making the application process more accessible. These waivers aim to reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse applicant pool.
Prospective students interested in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) opportunities at University of San Diego have access to programs through different types of ROTC branch units. The university offers an on-campus ROTC branch unit, allowing students to participate directly within their college environment. Additionally, students may engage with ROTC programs through cooperating host institutions, providing further flexibility for those seeking military training alongside their academic studies.
University of San Diego allows transfer applications for the fall and spring semesters, providing some flexibility for students planning to continue their education there. The institution has a moderately difficult admission process, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity for transfer candidates.
The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), both for subject-specific and general examinations. This approach helps students leverage prior learning to meet degree requirements more efficiently.
The University of San Diego offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global perspective and academic experience. These programs include semester-long exchanges and shorter-term faculty-led trips that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit. The university collaborates with partner institutions worldwide, providing options across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions.
Participants can choose from diverse fields of study depending on the location and program focus, including business, international relations, environmental studies, and language immersion. Additionally, the university supports customized independent study abroad programs tailored to individual academic interests and goals.
Students are encouraged to engage with the study abroad office early in their academic career to align their international experiences with degree requirements and personal aspirations. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid to assist students in managing the cost of studying abroad.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring