National University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

Compare National University in San Diego, CA with University of San Diego in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

National University is larger than USD based on total student enrollment (22,115 students vs. 9,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of San Diego is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• National 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: National University 16:1; University of San Diego 13:1.

National University vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National University 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 National University than USD ($25,043 vs. $37,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of San Diego are 13.7% lower than at National University ($19,918 vs. $23,076).
• University of San Diego is 347.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than National University (about $46,202 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 347.8% higher at USD than at National University (about $46,202 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Diego than at National University (84% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Diego students is 301.6% larger than aid received by National University students ($40,965 vs. $10,200).

National University vs. USD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National 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 National University.

• National University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National University - Open admission; USD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USD Dec 15, 2026.

National University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National 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 University of San Diego earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than National University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,200 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Diego graduates have a $5,738 lower median loan debt than National University graduates ($22,904 vs. $28,642).
• Among borrowers, USD graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National University graduates ($236 vs. $296).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 50%)

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.