University of San Diego
San Diego, California · Private
University of San Diego admitted 54% of 17,468 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 82% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at University of San Diego
Enter a score to see whether University of San Diego is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (54%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
University of San Diego’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 5, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $75, and University of San Diego accepts the Common App fee waiver. University of San Diego asks for the Common App personal essay, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check University of San Diego’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
University of San Diego offers early decision but didn’t report how many early applicants it admitted.
University of San Diego offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
What admissions weighs
How University of San Diego rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Class rank
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Volunteering
Considered
- Interview
- First generation
- Where you live
- Religion
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Test scores
- Legacy
- State residency
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 4.02 GPA. 35% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $79,444 a year. After grants, students paid $37,675 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is University of San Diego’s acceptance rate?
University of San Diego admitted 54% of applicants: 9,359 of 17,468 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is University of San Diego’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 5, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
How much is University of San Diego’s application fee?
The application fee is $75 for 2026–27, and University of San Diego accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does University of San Diego require?
Besides the application and transcript, University of San Diego asks for the Common App personal essay, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does University of San Diego have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, University of San Diego asks 4 questions of its own on top of the main essay (answer the first question and one of the three options, about 200–250 words each). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See University of San Diego’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.