USD vs. Excelsior University

Comparable Facts

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

Excelsior University is larger than USD based on total student enrollment (12,941 students vs. 9,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Diego is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Excelsior University is in Albany, NY (Small City setting).
• University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Excelsior University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Diego 13:1; Excelsior University 21:1.

USD vs. Excelsior University Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of San Diego and Excelsior University ($59,486.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between USD and Excelsior University ($59,486.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Diego than at Excelsior University (84% vs. 0%).

USD vs. Excelsior University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USD or Excelsior University? 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 Excelsior University and USD.

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

USD vs. Excelsior University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USD and Excelsior University? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have a $12,034 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($10,870 vs. $22,904).
• Among borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($112 vs. $236).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Excelsior University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 55%)

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.