University of San Diego SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
University of San Diego is test-optional, but with a 52% admit rate and a 4.02 average entering GPA, strong scores can still give you a useful edge. Treat your SAT or ACT goal as a way to separate yourself within a high-achieving pool: aim above USD’s middle 50% range before you submit.
⬡ LangSmith0a4af85d-6577-4cea-a671-7316070cc92fData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of San Diego facts and stats
University of San Diego enrolls 5,851 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. University of San Diego has a 91% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 84% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
⬡ LangSmith5edf7895-693e-46dc-978b-6f609223b705San Diego, CA
How does your GPA compare at University of San Diego?
Key University of San Diego application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional University of San Diego, plan your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that can arrive in time, so earlier retakes give you more room to improve a superscore.
⬡ LangSmithccbe6fc9-e9da-4d83-97ea-86848bdc04dfWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of San Diego?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
University of San Diego is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees apply to all students: $59,486. With 58% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $23,136, be sure to submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
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University of San Diego’s listed cost of attendance is about $76,756, including $59,486 in tuition and fees and $17,270 for room and board. Aid is common, with 58% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $59,506. Merit awards average $23,136, and some listed scholarships begin at a 3.00 GPA, including choral and endowed music awards. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,398.
⬡ LangSmith0c0b208e-f210-4d7a-b6af-b56fe3b6161dStudent life at University of San Diego
51% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 14% of men join fraternities, and 20% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CAAcceptance rate: 48%
SAT: 1360–1480
ACT: 31–33
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 45.1%
SAT: 1280–1400
ACT: 28–32
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 61.7%
SAT: 1200–1380
ACT: 25–30
Chapman University
Orange, CAAcceptance rate: 65.4%
SAT: 1280–1410
ACT: 28–31
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