University Of San Diego Admission
We are committed to providing a student-centered and supportive learning environment where high academic standards, multicultural perspectives, high ethical standards and social justice are valued. The University of San Diego admits students based on availability, academic preparation and potential, and demonstrated interest in the University. You are encouraged to submit your admissions application as early as possible. Students are admitted on a rolling basis from October 1 through March 1. For admission purposes, all official transcripts must be sent directly from your high school or college to USD’s Office of Admission. If a transcript is sent by the student, it will not be considered official. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s file. The University welcomes applications from undocumented students who have graduated from U.S.-accredited secondary schools or earned their GED certificate (or equivalent). We do not use EAC or ICE codes in our application process and we consider undocumented applicants for need-based financial aid; however they must meet all other criteria for financial aid eligibility such as residency requirements etc.. Any student who has not graduated from high school is required to submit their official ACT/SAT scores with their application for admission; however exceptions may be granted if an applicant graduates early or takes these tests before graduating high school; please contact us for details about this policy along with information about how you can qualify for exemption should you qualify under one of these categories:
The University of San Diego is a Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts, committed to educating the whole person and to the development of ethical leadership.
The University of San Diego is a Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts and committed to educating the whole person. We believe that education should not only provide you with knowledge but also inspire you to use your talents to make a difference in society.
We take pride in our heritage as one of America’s most innovative universities and are proud to have been named as one of the top 25 universities nationally by Princeton Review, who said: “The professors are highly invested in their students’ success and truly care about them as individuals.”
At USD we believe that ethical leadership begins with the right values – not just academic prowess or good grades. Our student body has received national recognition for its civic engagement, volunteerism and activism on issues ranging from affordable housing for farmworkers to same-sex marriage rights for gay couples and transgender people.
The University of San Diego admits students based on availability, academic preparation and potential, and demonstrated interest in the University.
The University of San Diego admits students based on availability, academic preparation and potential, and demonstrated interest in the University. It is a Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts, committed to educating the whole person and to the development of ethical leadership.
You are encouraged to submit your admissions application as early as possible. Students are admitted on a rolling basis from October 1 through March 1.
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For admission purposes, all official transcripts must be sent directly from your high school or college to USD’s Office of Admission. If a transcript is sent by the student, it will not be considered official.
For admission purposes, all official transcripts must be sent directly from your high school or college to USD’s Office of Admission. If a transcript is sent by the student, it will not be considered official.
- Transcripts should be sent in a sealed envelope with the postmark date no later than December 1st.
In addition to submitting your application and fee payment online or by mail, you’ll need to send us:
Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s file.
Your admission decision is based on a holistic review of your file. Admissions officers will consider academic performance, standardized test scores (unless exempt), letters of recommendation and responses to essay questions within the application for admission.
The University of San Diego welcomes applications from undocumented students. We do not use EAC or ICE codes in our application process and we consider undocumented applicants for need-based financial aid.
The University of San Diego is committed to providing opportunities for all students. We are proud to be able to provide financial aid for undocumented students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.
- What types of financial aid do you offer?
The University of San Diego meets 100% of demonstrated need through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study employment opportunities. The total amount awarded is based on federal guidelines which include EAC (Expected Family Contribution) and ICE codes (Immigration Control Enforcement). While using these systems may be required by some schools or government agencies, The University of San Diego does not use this information in its admissions process nor does it impact the awarding of need-based financial aid.
Any student who has not graduated from high school is required to submit their official ACT/SAT scores with their application for admission.
Any student who has not graduated from high school is required to submit their official ACT/SAT scores with their application for admission. All applicants must take the ACT or SAT and have an official score report sent directly from the testing agency. You are not required to take these tests unless you need them to fulfill your specific requirements at USD or you want us to consider them as part of our holistic review process (see below).
If you plan on submitting your test scores, please follow these instructions:
- ACT- You will need to submit an official copy of both your English and math sections.
- SAT – You will need an official copy of both your critical reading and math sections (no writing section needed).
Admission decisions are based primarily on academic performance, standardized test scores (unless exempt), letters of recommendation and responses to essay questions within the application for admission.
To be considered for admission, you must submit an application for admission, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can attest to your ability to succeed at the University of San Diego.
If you are applying as an undergraduate transfer student or graduate student, please refer to our Transfer Students page for additional information about applying to USD.
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Admission requirements
The University of San Diego requires all applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent by the time of enrollment. The regular admission process is available only to students who meet this requirement, present a valid TOEFL score (if necessary), and apply by the deadline. Students not meeting these requirements may apply for conditional admission or early decision.
Admission to USD is highly selective and competitive. Students are admitted based on availability, academic preparation and potential, demonstrated interest in the University and demonstrated financial need. In order to be considered for admission into our undergraduate program, applicants must complete a minimum of eight semesters of high school coursework or equivalent by the time of their application for admission (this does not include summer sessions). Applicants who have completed fewer than eight semesters may still be considered if they have an SAT score of 1200 or above with at least a 500 Critical Reading score.