Golden Gate University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA with University of San Diego in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

University of San Diego is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (9,714 students vs. 3,098 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); University of San Diego is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; University of San Diego 13:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 33.7% lower than at University of San Diego ($13,200 vs. $19,918).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92% higher at USD than at Golden Gate University (about $28,498 more per year; $59,486 vs. $30,988).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Diego than at Golden Gate University (84% vs. 0%).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are not reported at Golden Gate University, test-free at USD.
• Typical fall application deadline: USD Dec 15, 2026.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Diego graduates have a $6,935 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($22,904 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, USD graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($236 vs. $308).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation (78% vs. 57%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.