Your chances of getting into University of San Diego
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at USD is 52.6%. Its admission rate is the 34th lowest in California.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into USD and can you get accepted?
USD is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 7,541 out of the 14,334 who applied were admitted.
University of San Diego typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.95. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 16% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into USD?
53% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to University of San Diego you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.95 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class
USD GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into University of San Diego?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into USD are to have around a 3.95 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as USD accepts 53% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at USD is 3.95 on the 4.0 scale. 50% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #7 in California for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since USD is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
USD SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by University of San Diego. The school has a test blind policy.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
Average SAT Score | N/A |
USD ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
68% of University of San Diego freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 29% are in the top ten percent.
High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
---|---|
Top 10% of class | 29% |
Top 25% of class | 68% |
Top 50% of class | 96% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
Women | Men | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Applied | 8,828 | 5,506 | 14,334 |
Accepted | 4,831 | 2,710 | 7,541 |
Acceptance Rate | 55% | 49% | 53% |
Enrolled | 756 | 478 | 1,234 |
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 16% | 18% | 16% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 3 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Dec 15, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of San Diego is $55.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of San Diego and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test Scores | Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) |
High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
AP Credit | Yes |
Dual Credit | Yes |
Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to University of San Diego often consider these colleges
University of California San Diego
Public 4 Year
San Diego State University
Public 4 Year
Loyola Marymount University
Private 4 Year
Chapman University
Private 4 Year
Pepperdine University
Private 4 Year
Santa Clara University
Private 4 Year
University of San Francisco
Private 4 Year
University of Southern California
Private 4 Year
Point Loma Nazarene University
Private 4 Year
University of California Santa Barbara
Public 4 Year
Texas Christian University
Private 4 Year
University of Denver
Private 4 Year
Gonzaga University
Private 4 Year
University of California Santa Cruz
Public 4 Year
University of California Los Angeles
Public 4 Year
California State University Long Beach
Public 4 Year
Seattle University
Private 4 Year
University of California Berkeley
Public 4 Year
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122436 IPEDS survey data for University of San Diego.
Last updated February 24, 2024