About

See what students say:

Academics

The University of San Diego is a private Catholic institution that prides itself on its status as a “Changemaker,” which represents its dedication to creating sustainable solutions locally and afar. In fact, 50 percent of students take advantage of the school’s vast study abroad network, which includes programs and internships in 44 countries. “USD encourages its students to apply what they learn in the world to make positive, impactful, sustainable change,” says one. Strong curricula and academic advising help students construct four-year plans and create enjoyable schedules, and “projects, seminars, field trips, study abroad programs, and team-taught courses are some of the ways the university gets students engaged.” “My class took a trip to the U.S.–Mexico border and talked to border patrol agents, and then we went to an immigrant safe house facility to talk to people who help immigrants with their visa/citizenship status,” says one student.

Professors “are eager to share” their passion for their subject with students and offer “personalized one-on-one learning through office hours.” They “communicate directly with the students on what material they find to be important.” Most “adapt to the new research that has come out on how students learn best” and “bring in speakers to show how [students] can implement Changemaking into…future classrooms.” That also extends into “many informative meetings about research opportunities and internships.” Speaking of which, the “Career Center [is] very helpful with landing students jobs.”

Student Body

This is “truly…a campus of Changemakers” and “people passionate about causes [where] everyone is hard working yet still socially engaged.” USD “does a great job of making sure that students feel like they have a home,” and the school has worked to make common areas where students feel comfortable and seen. Because of the “sunny, more relaxed environment” students enjoy on this California campus, they lean “toward casual” in their attire—“balanced and stylish,” as one student describes. Many here come from a “strong religious background and greatly utilize the ministry services on campus,” and everyone is “welcoming and enjoyable to be around.”

Campus Life

The “weather is so perfect and the campus so beautiful [that] most students spend time outside” at USD, which is “ten minutes away from both the beach and city.” Here it’s easy for students to take their pick of a litany of activities—they can “lay out on the lawn, take in the sun, skateboard, surf, [or] go out in the town or beach.” “San Diego [is] such a large city that there is so much to do and see,” and weekends tend to be devoted to exploring; however, there are plenty of social activities and clubs to join on campus. The “Torero Program Board makes sure there is always something for the students to do.” One student comments on the “very accepting Greek life system,” citing their motto: “These hands don’t haze.” Of all first-year students, 95 percent live on campus, and all first years (and transfers) participate in a Living Learning Community, which “puts people from the same general living area in a class together focused on a general theme” such as innovation or advocacy. USD is a place where students “can thrive because [their] physical and mental wellness is cared for alongside [their] education.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Sally Asbille
Associate Director of Operations

Address
Office of Undergraduate Admission
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110

Phone
619-260-4506

Email
admissions@sandiego.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Aromas Coffee House
Donald P. Shiley Center for Science and Technology
Jenny Craig Pavilion (Sporting/concert venue)
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
Student Life Pavilion

Most Popular Places Off Campus
San Diego Zoo
Sea World
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Dowtown San Diego's Gaslmap Quarter
La Jolla

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and select Saturday
8:30 am-5 pm M-F and 10:30 am-1 pm Saturdays
619-260-4506

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 10 am and 1:30 pm: select Saturadys at 11:00am
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@sandiego.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Available on selected dates. Please see website for more information.

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
San Diego International Airport is 5 miles from campus. Both taxis and ride share services are available and should cost approximately $15.00; advance arrangements are not necessary. Amtrak trains serve San Diego from Los Angeles. Greyhound/Trailways buses also serve San Diego. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System provides bus service in the area and the San Diego Trolley runs throughout San Diego county-with shuttles from USD to the Old Town Trolley station.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-5, exit at Sea World Dr.; turn east and follow signs to the university. From I-8, exit at Morena Blvd. and follow signs to the university.

Local Accommodations
Please visit our website for information on our partnership with Bartell Hotels. http://www.bartellhotels.com/usd

Admissions

Applicants: 13,287
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Average HS GPA: 3.93






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