About University of San Diego
Founded in 1949, the University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative changemakers confront humanity’s urgent challenges. USD provides a character-building education that fosters independent thought, innovation, integrity, analytical thinking, and an open-minded and collaborative worldview. In 1972, the original College of Women, College of Men, and the School of Law merged and formed what is now the University of San Diego. Committed to the Catholic faith, the school’s leaders also embraced the spirit of ecumenism and academic freedom.
USD offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With a curriculum designed to meet the demands of today’s working professionals, the University of San Diego offers several master’s degree programs online that provide practical skills for careers in in-demand fields, such as education, law enforcement, security, health care, and more. USD online degrees feature a flexible yet rigorous style of learning. These online programs have the same high-quality content and expert instruction that is found on-campus at USD.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of San Diego is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
4,162Fully Online Graduate Students:
36%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,940Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
75%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$37,818Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesUSD runs on a rigorous pace that can still be completed steadily. The degree path includes a fuller core load, with five Gen Ed classes noted as challenging but manageable. This is not a stripped-down route, so time to finish depends on keeping up with required coursework term after term.
Cost is a central part of the completion picture. Annual tuition is listed at $59,486, and housing pressure can raise total cost further. USD can deliver a strong academic experience, but the full price-to-finish is substantial, especially for budget-sensitive students.
At USD, support is active and easy to find in many classes. Professors are often available for questions through office hours and online tools like Slack. That steady access gives students clear ways to get help when classwork gets hard.
Course experience can differ by instructor. Grading styles may vary, and group projects can carry a lot of weight in final grades. Even so, USD’s core approach is clear. Students can reach professors directly and get regular guidance, especially when they connect early.
USD offers online classes in a clear structure. One format runs one class at a time for seven weeks. Classes are fully asynchronous in that track. Recorded office hours add schedule flexibility.
Online support is a real plus here. Instructors are available and assignment feedback is detailed. Pace and grading can differ by instructor. Group projects can carry a lot of weight in some courses.
Classes at USD are typically small and interactive. Professors often know students by name. Teaching includes projects, seminars, field trips, and team-taught courses. The classroom feel is engaged, not passive.
The pace is rigorous, with a sizable Gen Ed load. Five Gen Ed classes were described as challenging but manageable. Course quality can vary by subject and instructor. Some classes lean heavily on group projects, and a few math courses are harder to follow. Overall, USD delivers strong professor access with real workload expectations.
USD offers close class access and real academic rigor. Classes are often small and interactive. Professors commonly know students by name. The workload is demanding but manageable for many learners.
Support is usually present and practical. Office hours and direct faculty access are common. Online structure can work well for schedule control. One track uses asynchronous courses and recorded office hours.
Course delivery is not uniform across all sections. Grading consistency and group-project weight can vary. Cost is the biggest pressure point. Tuition is high, and total cost can feel heavy. USD fits students who want strong faculty contact and challenge.
USD offers close class access and real academic rigor. Classes are often small and interactive. Professors commonly know students by name. The workload is demanding but manageable for many learners.
Support is usually present and practical. Office hours and direct faculty access are common. Online structure can work well for schedule control. One track uses asynchronous courses and recorded office hours.
Course delivery is not uniform across all sections. Grading consistency and group-project weight can vary. Cost is the biggest pressure point. Tuition is high, and total cost can feel heavy. USD fits students who want strong faculty contact and challenge.
Online Programs offered by University of San Diego
All Programs
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Frequently Asked Questions About University of San Diego
Is University of San Diego accredited?
Yes. University of San Diego is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does University of San Diego offer?
University of San Diego offers 10 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of San Diego offer?
University of San Diego is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of San Diego?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of San Diego expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of San Diego falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of San Diego?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of San Diego first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of San Diego programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.8 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.8 to 3.0.
Is University of San Diego military friendly?
University of San Diego shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of San Diego through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of San Diego applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of San Diego accept life experience credit?
University of San Diego does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of San Diego programs fully online or mixed?
University of San Diego includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of San Diego offer?
University of San Diego has online program options in areas such as Education, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of San Diego programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Are any admission tests required for University of San Diego programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of San Diego?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of San Diego programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of San Diego?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of San Diego, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of San Diego programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of San Diego is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
University of San Diego is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in California:
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($150,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
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- Entry Level: Clinical Manager ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Hospital Administrator ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Executive ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHQ
- Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Environmental Manager ($110,000)
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- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: CHMM, PE