S
Private 4 Year

USD Admission Requirements

San Diego, California

 2 Reviews

Your chances of getting into University of San Diego

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

52.6%
Admission Difficulty for University of San Diego
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Unavailable 
Applicant Competition Average 

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.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

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

Avg. High School GPA 

3.95

Typical High School Grades 

A-

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.

High School GPA's for admitted University of San Diego students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 50.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 22.0% Avg
3.50 to 3.74 18.0% Reach
3.25 to 3.49 7.0% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 2.0% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 1.0% Low
2.00 to 2.49 0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

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 Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting SAT 

67%
SAT Scores for University of San Diego
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
SAT Scores for University of San Diego
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
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

USD ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting ACT 

45%
ACT Scores for University of San Diego
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
ACT Scores for University of San Diego
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
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

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 for admitted University of San Diego students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 29%
Top 25% of class 68%
Top 50% of class 96%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

University of San Diego admission statistics
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%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Dec 15, 2024

Days left to Apply

None

The application deadline for Fall 2025 has passed. Applications were 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?

University of San Diego Application Requirements
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

High School Credits Accepted at University of San Diego
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

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