University of San Diego Admissions 2022: Requirements, Fee Details & FAQs ,,USA

Situated in the southern part of California, USA, the University of San Diego (USD) is a private university accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1956. According to the US News & World Report, the university has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the USA.

The University of San Diego boasts quality education through:

• A student-faculty ratio of 15:1
• A total of 1,007 faculty members: 486 full-time and 521 part-time
• Average class size of 22 students
• A graduation rate of 77.6%
• An acceptance rate of 48.7%
• Nearly 77,143 living across 100 countries

The university is also popular among its students for its well-equipped library, amazing dining facilities, sports clubs, cafes, and other conveniences are available at the university. Special emphasis is given to the sports wing at the campus. Sports such as baseball, football, swimming, etc., are available at the university for all interested students.

Courses Offered

What are the courses available to international students?

The University of San Diego offers various courses at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels of study. These comprise:

• Undergraduate: 43 Bachelor degree programs with various major concentrations and 56 minors
• Graduate: 36 Master degrees programs, including 1 JD, 5 LLM degrees, 4 PhDs, and dual-degree programs
• Certificate: Over 100 enrichment certificate programs

The mainstream fields of study include:

The university also offers courses in professional and continuing education.

Eligibility & Documents Required

What are the eligibility requirements?

The requirements vary for first-year applicants and transfer applicants. Also, the application process is different for domestic and international applicants.

The eligibility criteria and language requirements for applying to different programs offered to international students at San Diego are:

Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduates

• A minimum of C grade or a 3.0 grade point average is required to be eligible for admission.
• Before senior year, applicants should also qualify for a certain number of courses, depending on their departments.
• Apart from their academic achievements, the qualities and abilities of students are assessed through the letters of recommendation and essays they submit.
• Subject Requirements: The specifications for admissions vary, depending on every subject’s requirements. The subject-specific requirements for undergraduates that can be referred to as follows:

Subjects	Years of Study
English	4 years
Mathematics	3 or 4 years
Science	3 or 4 years, including 2 years with lab
Foreign Language	3 or 4 years
Social Studies	2 or more years

Eligibility Requirements for Graduates and Postgraduates

Students must have an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be a part of a graduate/postgraduate program in the university.

Country-Specific Requirements for Indian Students

Class 12 Board examination or plus two qualifications are essential. Transcripts from the respective university are required for admission. Students need a minimum of 3.4 grade points. It is mandatory to have the documents required for admission in English. Otherwise, they must be translated into English. Also, students should prove their proficiency in English.

• Indian Undergraduates: The general requirements can be higher, depending on specific courses. The university will not consider ACT or SAT scores till fall 2024.
• Indian Graduates/Postgraduates: Depending on the specification of each department, students have to qualify for GRE or GMAT. The university also considers the experiences and personal attributes of applicants.

English Requirements for International Students

International students coming from non-English-speaking countries, such as India, need to prove their language proficiency through either of the following standardized English exam scores:

Accepted Tests	Minimum Scores Required
TOEFL (iBT)	80 or above
IELTS Academic	6.5 bands or more
Duolingo (DET)	110 or higher

Note: These are generic requirements for graduates and undergraduates aspiring to study at the university. Some of the courses may have higher score requirements or different academic and language requirements.

Please refer to the intended course page on the university website to check the exact limit on each course.

What are the documents needed for the application?

The essential supporting documents required for international admission at the University of San Diego are listed below:

Undergraduate Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of financial support
• Essay
• Proof of English proficiency
• Academic recommendation
• A copy of your passport

Postgraduate Documents

• Academic Resume
• Official university transcripts
• A copy of your passport
• Financial support documents
• Proof of English proficiency
• Official test scores for GRE or GMAT
• Work experience (for some courses)
• Recommendations
• Proof of residency
• University Essay/SOP

For International Students

In addition to the basic requirements, theI20 certificate and F1/J1 visa are required to apply. Also, all documents must be in English only. If not, students must get them officially translated and attested.

Note: The requirements foradmission to the university’s law schools, business schools, and other departments differ. Each department has its requirements. Please check the official links provided below for further details.

Application & Tuition Fees

Is there any application fee?

A non-refundable application fee of USD 55 is chargeable to international students. This fee is the same for all applicant types and all courses.

Fee waivers are available for students coming from weak financial backgrounds. Financial proofs are required to receive financial aid.

What is the fee structure of the courses offered by the university?

The tuition fee of the university is based on credit units. The fee varies depending on the number of credits and subjects chosen. Tuition fees vary depending on the course and program. Given below is the estimated highest and lowest annual tuition fee for international students for graduate and undergraduate programs offered by the San Diego in the academic session 2021-2022:

Undergraduate Educational Cost 2021-2022

The estimated cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate degrees offered at the university for the academic session 2021-2022 are given below:

Estimated Cost of Attendance Full-Time (12-18 units/semester)	Semester Cost (in USD)	Annual Cost (in USD)
Tuition	26,060	52,120
Fees	372	744
Health Insurance	1,653.50	3,307
Housing	5,345	10,690
Meal Plan	2,081	4,162
Total	35,424	70,848

Source: University of San Diego

Graduate and Doctoral Educational Cost 2021-2022

The estimated cost of attendance for full-time graduate and doctorate degrees offered at the university for the academic session 2021-2022 are given below:

Tuition by College/School (Cost Per Unit)	Masters Cost (in USD)	Doctoral Cost (in USD)
College of Arts and Sciences	1,555	NA
Kroc School	1,200	NA
Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering	1,250	NA
School of Business
MBA Program	1,565	NA
MS in Executive Leadership	1,885	NA
School of Nursing and Health Sciences	1,580	1,620
School of Leadership and Education Sciences	1,509	1,555
Professional and Continuing Education
MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership	925	NA
MS Health Care Informatics	1,580	NA

Source: University of San Diego

*University reserves all rights to revise the tuition fee before a new academic session. To learn about the latest course fees, it is recommended to check the university website.

Note: The intersession and summer charges are billed separately. Tuition fees might be different for different courses and majors. The overall cost of the study is likely to include additional charges and miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?

Yes, San Diego supports students financially through various programs. The major financial aids available for students include:

• Scholarships
• Appeals
• Loans
• Student Employments
• Financial Aids
• Fee Waivers

Undergraduate Scholarships

International first-year applicants are awarded merit-based scholarship by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Superior academic performance is considered while evaluating applicant’s profiles in the following areas:

• Grades
• Rigor of curriculum
• Changemaker qualities

Award Money

The award money ranges from USD 18,000-25,000 for merit scholarships that is renewable for 4 years if students meet the minimum GPA requirements. Please note that the merit-based scholarships are applicable to first-year applicants only. International students are also eligible for athletic scholarships.

Popular Awards

These popular scholarships offered at San Diego are given below:

• Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate Discretionary Scholarship Fund
• Real Estate Impact Scholarship Fund
• Real Estate Students Success Scholarship Endowment
• Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship

Note: Scholarship deadlines and amounts may vary with progressive years. Students must check the exact deadlines and minimum requirements with their respective departments and apply for the desirable awards on time to make their profiles considerable.

For more details on the scholarship application process and deadlines, please visit the university’s scholarship webpage.

Admission Process

When do the admissions start?

San Diego accepts international admissions in two intakes or semesters:

International students may apply in either of the aforementioned intakes.

Undergraduate Deadlines

The tentative deadlines for international undergraduate applications are:

Intakes	Early Deadline*	Late Deadline*
Spring Semester	October	December
Fall Semester	February	June

Graduate Deadlines

While many graduate programs allow admission to any semester (term), some programs only admit students to specific semesters. If you apply after the priority deadline, it will be considered a late submission. There are deadlines for late applications too. The tentative deadlines for international graduate applications are:

Intakes	Priority Deadline*	Secondary Deadline*
Fall Semester	February end	June end
Spring Semester	October end	December end

*Deadlines vary depending on the course and can change frequently. We encourage students to check the school/department’s website for the exact deadlines.

Note: It is recommended to apply six months in advance before the start of a new academic session as the window for international applicants is most likely to close by that time. Also, International applications need to be processed early to allow students enough time for visa preparation.

How do I start my application?

Like most of the US universities, San Diego also accepts undergraduate applications through the Common Application Portal. What students need to do is, visit the said portals and follow the instructions online.

Admission Portals

International undergraduates may apply via the common application portal at apply.commonapp.org/login. Graduates may apply directly through the university website (application portal) at usd2022.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.

What are the steps to an undergraduate application?

The step-by-step process to apply San Diego’s undergraduate courses has been explained by the university as follows:

Step 1: Visit the US Common Undergraduate Application Portal at apply.commonapp.org/login.

Step 2: Create an account on the Common App portal. Click on Apply for First-Year for fresh applications.

Step 3: Click on ‘first-year student’.

Step 4: Fill in your details, email ID, name, phone number, etc. Create a password according to the instructions given. The password should be noted for future reference.

Step 5: After filling in the data and checking the boxes, you can sign in and proceed with the instructions sent to your email.

Next, wait for the results.

What are the steps to a graduate application?

The step-by-step process to apply as an international graduate through the San Diego application portal is as follows:

Step 1: Visit usd2022.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login and sign in if you have an existing account.

Or sign up at usd2022.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/userAccount as a new student if you do not have an existing account.

Step 2: Choose the program and intake in which you wish to study.

Step 3: Check the details and click on ‘Continue To My Application’.

Step 4: Fill in all the sections.

Next, wait for the results.

When will I hear from the university after I submit my application?

The applications are reviewed thoroughly by the university. For Regular Admits, students receive the admit letters by the beginning of April each year. Students also receive an email regarding the application/admission decision. Regular updates are sent by the university via email.

Note: It is recommended to register with an active email ID and check it frequently for the latest updates on admission related information. Also, students must remain active on the official website of the university to stay updated with any admission related announcements.

Student Diversity & Preferred Profile

What are the chances of getting into this university? What is the acceptance rate for international students?

The university equal acceptance for both its qualifying national and international applicants. It does not discriminate on applicant’s nationality. However, in general, it is quite difficult to get into the university.

San Diego Fall 2021 Enrollment Data

Refer to the table below for a better understanding of students enrolled at the university in the Fall of 2021:

Student Status	Undergraduate First Year	Undergraduate Transfer
Applied	14,326	1,249
Accepted	7,550	944
% of Applied	53%	76%
Enrolled	1,166	342
% of Accepted	15%	36%
Student Status	Graduate	Law JD
Applied	3,757	3,638
Accepted	1,894	1,124
% of Applied	50%	31%
Enrolled	1,023	260
% of Accepted	54%	23%

Source: University of San Diego

The acceptance rate of the programs indicates that admission to the university is highly competitive. Hence, just meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee admission.

How many Indian/international students study in the university?

In the Fall of 2021, the University of San Diego enrolled a total of 9,041 students in its various graduate and undergraduate programs, including law and paralegal courses.

San Diego Fall 2021 Enrollment

The segregation of these students can be understood as follows:

Student Type	Headcount	Percentage
Graduate	3,339	37%
Undergraduate	5,702	63%
Full-time students	7,187	79%
Part-time students	1,854	21%
Male	3,918	43%
Female	5,123	57%
National	8,485	93.9%
International	556	6.1%

Source: University of San Diego

San Diego Fall 2021 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Given below is a graphical representation of San Diego’s Fall 2021 enrollment by race/ethnicity:

Source: University of San Diego

The highest population of international students comes from countries like China and India. The university also boasts a living alumni of 77,143 graduates in all 50 states as well as 100 countries. 64% of these live in California.

Part Time Work While Studying

Can I work while studying here?

Yes, the university allows and offers both on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities to international students with a valid work-study permit.

On-Campus Employment

There are two types of employment opportunities in on-campus programs. They are:

1. The Federal Work-Study/College Work Opportunity Program:  It is a need-based employment opportunity for students. These positions offer work in offices of academics or administration. For these positions, an application for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) should be filed.

There is a provision to file the Federal Work-Study Appeal Form if the eligibility requirements are met, and the required funds are available. The departments also hire FWS recipients. Students with an F-1 visa can work 10-15 hours per week on-campus; the maximum working hours are 25.

2. Casual Worker Openings: This is the second way of securing employment at the university. Students can choose the departments or areas in which they wish to work.

Eligibility for On-Campus Work

Given below are the requirements for international students to work on-campus:

• Students must be enrolled in a full-time program at the university
• Students must have a valid I-20 issued through a social security number for a work permit

Graduate Assistantships

The university offers various Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships to international students. These are awarded based on a student's academic performance and excellence report. These assistantships are offered in research, teaching, and leadership programs. The applications will be mailed to the program area where assistantship is demanded. Fellowships are awarded to a limited number of students. Students must have high scores and above-average academic performance. It is awarded to students studying doctoral and master-level degrees at the university.

Off-Campus Jobs

Employment updates are posted on the MySanDiego Portal under the Torero Hub. University credentials are required to view off-campus job opportunities. Off-campus jobs are posted by the USD Student Employment Center. The university does not discriminate between students. Hence, equal opportunities are provided to every student. The university only provides information about the job opportunities available. Off-campus job agreements are directly made between an employer and a student. Hence, students should learn more about their employers beforehand. Students need to be extra careful currently due to the ongoing pandemic.  

Note: International students are advised to check the conditions of working in a foreign country on their study visa. They are also advised to confirm any specific instructions on the same from their respective departments and faculties. Under no circumstances should they be found compromising with the law and order of the country.

Students must also get familiar with the rules and regulations of working in a foreign country and learn about the minimum wages they are entitled to. For more details, students can check the on and off-campus opportunities on the university website. Also, refer to the USA Study Visa Guide and F1 Visa Guide.

For specific inquiries regarding on-campus employment opportunities, interest international students may contact the university’s Student Employment Center at usdsec@sandiego.edu.

Campuses & Accommodation

How many campuses does the university have?

The University of San Diego has a single huge campus sprawling across 180 acres of land located in San Diego, California. Perched on a pristine canyon, the campus is easily navigable and pedestrian-friendly. It boasts:

• Member, West Coast Conference and Pioneer Football League
• 17 NCAA Division I teams and 23 sports clubs
• Fitness training through numerous recreation clubs
• 9 each of national fraternities and sororities
• Student Life Pavilion offering amazing dining options, a full-service market, engaging student activities, etc.
• A residential campus with 93% of freshman and 43% of undergraduates
• 10 separate living areas, with options to choose from shared rooms to independent apartments

The campus is beautifully designed in the 16^th century Spanish Renaissance architectural style. The university location boasts of several beaches, downtown, mountains, and the Mexican border within a few minutes short drive from its campus.

Is on-campus housing available? How much does it cost?

The University of San Diego is focused on student welfare. Freshmen are required to live on-campus in assigned college housing.

Traditional First-Year Housing Options

• Camino
• Founders
• Maher Hall
• Valley A
• Valley B
• Valley Apartments, such as the San Buenaventura

Housing Requirements

• A housing contract and a prepayment of USD 200 are required to self-select the rooms
• Unmarried students below 20 years require an agreement from their legal guardians
• For students above 20 years, there is an option to enter into two-year agreements
• The seats are limited; hence, the selection is on a first-come-first-served basis
• The housing portal helps students choose room conditions, appliances, etc.

Housing Expenses

The expenses vary with choices of students/residents. These depend on:

1. Choice of the housing area and room
2. Appliances and conditions
3. Meal plan

Housing Cost

The residence halls and apartment housing costs the academic year 2020-2021 are given below:

Housing Type	Room Type	Semester Cost (in USD)
Maher Hall (private baths)	Single Double Triple/ Quad	6,230 4,970 4,615
Valley A	Single Double Super Single	5,740 4,970 6,110
Valley B	Single Triple Super Single	5,740 4,615 6,110
All Campus Apartments	Single Unit Single Bedroom Double/ Multiple Bedroom Super Single	7,065 6,230 4,970 6,475

Source: University of San Diego

The super-single rooms are double or triple rooms converted to single rooms. The availability of rooms depends on the number of residents and the intake. The seats to super-single, single, and double rooms are limited.

Meal Plan

The options and costs for meal plans the academic year 2020-2021 are listed below:

Meal Plans	Dining Dollars	Semester Cost (in USD)
For Freshman only
Pavilion 135 (Premium) Pavilion 120 Pavilion 105 (minimum)	1,131 1,017 780	2,443 2,197 2,197
For Second-year and Transfer Students only
Torero 135 (Best value) Torero 120 Torero 105 Torero 75 (minimum)	1,131 1,017 781 614	2,443 2,197 1,830 1,375

Source: University of San Diego

Cost of Living

The living expenses that international students might incur during their time of education for the academic year 2020-2021 have been specified by the university as follows:

Living Expenses	Undergraduate Cost (in USD)	Graduate Cost (in USD)
Tuition Fee	52,120	27,936
Fees	744	474
Room	15,156	16,850
Books and Supplies	1,080	16,580
Personal Expenses	2,609	3,784
Transportation Cost	324	858
Total	72,033	50,442

Source: University of San Diego

International students must keep into account these and other miscellaneous costs along with the tuition fee while preparing their overall budget.

Note:Living costs vary depending on students’ lifestyle choices. Additionally, housing and dining rates are subject to change with progressive years. To know the exact costs of on or off-campus accommodation, please check the university’s accommodations webpage.

University Contact Information

Whom should I contact in case of doubts?

Students can contact the university at:

Website: www.sandiego.edu

Address: University of San Diego, 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110

Email: admissions@sandiego.edu

Telephone: +1 (619) 260 4600