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 table 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.

Golden Gate University vs. USD Cost Comparison

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

• 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).
• University of San Diego is 92% more expensive for in-state tuition than Golden Gate University (about $28,498 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92% higher at USD than at Golden Gate University (about $28,498 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Diego than at Golden Gate University (84% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. USD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate University 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 Golden Gate University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; USD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USD Dec 15, 2026.

Golden Gate University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate University 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 Golden Gate University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than USD graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $70,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.