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University of San Diego Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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  • Estd. 1949
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USD Admissions
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International undergraduate students who wish to target University of San Diego admission 2025 can apply through the Common App. Whereas, graduate applicants can apply through the university official portal. The deadline for programs at USD may differ program-wise. However, University of San Diego application deadline for PG for fall intake is May 1, 2026 (tentative). 

USD Admissions
Table of contents
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University of San Diego Admission Overview 2026

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University of San Diego Courses: Eligibility and Fees 2025

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University of San Diego Admission Process 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What are the admission requirements for the international students at the University of San Diego?
A: 

The University of San Diego admission requirements for international students may differ programme wise. However, general requirements are:

  •  Submission of application through Common App for UG applicants and online application for PG applicants.
  •  Meet programme specific requirements
  •  Submission of required transcripts
  •  An Essay
  •  Academic Letter of Recommendation
  •  Submit the English language test score through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo
Q:   Is SAT score required for admission at University of San Diego?
A: 

International undergrad students can apply to the University of San Diego through the Common App and submit required materials such as transcripts. However, USD test free policy does not make it mandatory to submit the SAT/ACT score. Applicants can still apply without the SAT. However, international students are required submit English language test proficiency score through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. 

Q:   What is the deadline for admission at University of San Diego?
A: 

University of San Diego admissions deadline varies according to programme offered. But PG deadline is May 1, 2026 for international applicants. International students are required to submit other application materials such as transcripts, test scores and visa documents.

Q:   What is the University of San Diego admission criteria?
A: 

The University of San Diego admission criteria varies programme wise. Some programs may or may not require standardized testing. However, USD is test free for the undergraduate applicants. International students who wish to enrol in UG programs can apply through the Common App and graduate applicants can apply through the university official portal.

University of San Diego MBA/PGDM Admissions 2026

4 courses 10 - 36 months
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25.5L - 47.5L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE







University of San Diego Application Process 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What is the University of San Diego application fee?
A: 

The University of San Diego application fee for international undergrad applicant is USD 55 (INR 4,856) which is non-refundable and must be paid in order to complete the application process. Apart from application fee, other requirements include submission of GRE/GMAT score for the required programs and international students should also submit the English language proficiency test score.

Q:   What is the application deadline at University of San Diego?
A: 

The University of San Diego application fee for international undergrad applicant is USD 55 (INR 4,856) which is non-refundable and must be paid in order to complete the application process. Apart from application fee, other requirements include submission of GRE/GMAT score for the required programs and international students should also submit the English language proficiency test score.

Q:   What is the application deadline at University of San Diego?
A: 

The University of San Diego application deadline vary as per the programme opted by the students. Also, the deadline for PG programs are subject to change.International students must contact the programme department to learn more. However, general application deadlines are highlighted below:

Particulars

Application Deadlines

Spring intake (2025)

UG: Oct 1, 2025

  PG: Oct 16, 2025

  Fall intake (2025)

               UG: Dec 1, 2025

  PG: May 1, 2026 (tentative) 

 

University of San Diego Enrolment Statistics 2024

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University of San Diego Admission 2024 FAQs

Q:   What GPA do I need to get into the University of San Diego?
A: 

The GPA requirement at the University of San Diego differs program-wise. However, the general required GPA at the university is 2.75 or higher. USD considers a student’s GPA to be a very important factor in admission consideration. Other requirements include university or high school transcripts and English language proficiency score. However, University of San Diego is test free for undergraduate applicants.

Q:   How do you apply to the University of San Diego?
A: 

The University of San Diego offers a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students applying to the University of San Diego can use the following pathways to apply online.

Level of Study

Pathways

Undergraduate

Common Application and Accompanying USD Member Questions

Postgraduate

USD Website

Q:   What are the eligibility requirements for University of San Diego?
A: 

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 programme 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.

Q:   Does the University of San Diego offer any scholarships to international students?
A: 

Yes, the University of San Diego offers scholarship opportunities for international students such as Alcala, Trustee, and Presidential scholarships. Scholarships usually range from USD 18,000 TO USD 28,000 (INR 15,03,564 to INR 23,38,877). However, only freshman applicants are eligible for merit scholarships.

Q:   When will I hear from the University of San Diego after I submit my application?
A: 

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.

Q:   Does the University of San Diego accept IELTS?
A: 

All the courses at USD are taught in English therefore it is required to submit an IELTS score for the applicants to get admission.

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

7 bands or more

TOEFL0 (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.

Q:   Is on-campus housing available at University of San Diego?
A: 

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

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.

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

*1 USD = 83.15 INR

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.

Q:   Does the University of San Diego accept international students?
A: 

The University of San Diego does indeed accept students from other countries. They accept students from all over the world and have a diverse and welcoming community.  University of San Diego Acceptance Rate is 53% that means out of 100 applicants 53 have higher chances of getting admission. If international student wants to apply to USD, they should check the website of the university for the unique requirements for international candidates and make sure they meet all of them.

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Answered 7 months ago

As per data for Fall 2024, the University of San Diego received around 17,000 applications, of which around 8,900 were admitted to USD. This suggests that the general University of San Diego acceptance rate is 52.3%.

The USD acceptance rate for international students on the other hand is 49.1%, s

...Read more

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

Lehigh & USD are two of the most prominent universities of their respective states.  While Lehigh is based in Pennsylvania, USD in based in California.

Each institute has its pros & cons, & which is better can be determined on the basis of how the institute fares based on certain vital parameters.

Giv

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

University of San Diego is one of the most prestigious universities in USA. The University of San Diego placement rate is 88.7%. This figure shows that for every 100 students, around 89 students secured employment. The average salary of USD graduates is USD 71,145 (INR 60.97 LPA) annually. The unive

...Read more

A

Anangsha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

The University of San Diego is recognised for offering the highest placement rate in the USA. The University of San Diego placement rate stands at 88.7%, this means out of every 100 students, around 89 students secured employment. USD placement rate are one of the major attractions for international

...Read more

P

Pallavi Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

The University of San Diego is one of the most prominent universities for international students to continue higher education in the USA. The University of San Diego placement rate is 88.7%. The average salary of USD graduates starts from USD 71,145 (INR 60.97 LPA) annually. The University of San Di

...Read more

N

Nishtha Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

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