University of San Diego

"USD is committed to preserving and enriching the dignity of every person who becomes part of the institution."

Overview

The University of San Diego is an independent Roman Catholic institution founded in 1949. Located on the Pacific Rim and just 22 miles from the Mexican border, the university is optimally positioned for international activity. In addition, USD has been involved in international instruction, research, and service throughout the world for many years and is expanding its activities with an increased emphasis on the importance of global awareness for the entire campus community. 

Location and Philosophy

• The University of San Diego is located in the heart of San Diego, one of America’s finest and most livable cities.  
• The 180-acre campus sits on a mesa overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
• All of the buildings on campus are designed in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style, earning USD a reputation as one of the most beautiful and distinct campuses in the country.
• More than 27 percent of the students come from underrepresented ethnicities, and more than 60 countries are represented in the student body.

Academics

• USD offers more than 75 undergraduate majors, minors, and education credentials, as well as pre-professional, graduate, and certification programs.
• As a liberal arts university, USD values and encourages cross-disciplinary study.
• Classes are small, averaging 15–25 students, and all are taught by professors.
• The Preceptorial Program offers an opportunity for a faculty member to be the student’s advisor for the first year. This distinctive program gives freshman students the foundation for their next three years.

International Admissions

• USD welcomes international students who can demonstrate their ability to succeed academically.
• International students from more than 60 countries comprise approximately three percent of the USD student body.
• USD seeks candidates who have balanced a robust high school curriculum with extracurricular involvement at the high school and community levels.
• Students whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL exam. 
• The competitive freshman applicant will have completed at least four academic classes per year and will have take either the SAT or ACT with writing portion prior to submitting their application for admission.
• The average GPA of the admitted students in 2009 is 3.9; the average SAT score is 1240.

Institutional control: Private nonprofit

Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic

Setting: Located within a major urban area

Enrollment: Undergraduate: 5,119 Graduate: 2,518 International: 302

Admissions office: General Contact Phone: +001 (619)260-4506 intluga@sandiego.edu

Financial aid office: Phone: +001 (619)260-4514

Cost of attendance: (academic year) Undergraduate: $35,870 Room & board: $12,602

International financial aid: Grants offered: No Scholarships offered: Yes Loans offered: No

Organizations: Registered: 80 Honor societies: Fraternities: 6 Sororities: 5

Top five countries represented:

1. Kuwait
2. Saudi Arabia/United Arab Emirates
   
3. Canada/Mexico
4. Taiwan
5. China
   

TOEFL Internet-based:  80
TOEFL paper-based: 550
TOEFL computer-based:  213
IELTS band score: 6.5
SAT:  no minimum requirement
ACT:  no minimum requirement