CDU vs. USD

Comparable Facts

Compare Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, CA with University of San Diego in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of San Diego is larger than CDU based on total student enrollment (9,714 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of San Diego is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science 4:1; University of San Diego 13:1.

CDU vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CDU or USD? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science than USD ($35,558 vs. $37,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of San Diego are 39.8% lower than at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science ($19,918 vs. $33,090).
• University of San Diego is 158.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CDU (about $36,486 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 158.6% higher at USD than at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (about $36,486 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science than at University of San Diego (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Diego students is 858% larger than aid received by Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science students ($40,965 vs. $4,276).

CDU vs. USD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CDU or USD? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USD and CDU.

• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CDU - Open admission; USD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CDU Jul 30, 2027; USD Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USD students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at CDU (3.26).
• USD has a higher acceptance rate (52.4%) than CDU (38.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.5% at CDU vs. 12.4% at USD.

CDU vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CDU and USD? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science earn a median of about $700 more per year than USD graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,900 vs. $70,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates have a $1,585 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($21,319 vs. $22,904).
• Among borrowers, CDU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($220 vs. $236).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CDU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.