About USD
- Mission and Vision
- History
- Catholic Identity
- USD Facts
- Administration
- Strategic Initiatives
- More About USD…
Founded in 1949 in the heart of San Diego, USD has grown to become a premier institution dedicated to providing academic excellence, Catholic intellectual and social traditions, and a top-notch liberal arts education for scholars of all faiths. USD is committed to the intellectual, spiritual, and overall development of its student body.

USD’s mission captures the values that have made it a prominent Catholic university, a vibrant institution of quality higher education, and an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus.
Academics
A USD education combines the vibrancy of the liberal arts with academic rigor in a supportive learning community. USD offers a wide variety of majors and specializations, allowing students to pursue their passions. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and devoted teachers who promote an interactive learning environment.

Faculty collaborate one-on-one with undergraduate and graduate students on research, scholarship and creative activity, allowing students to experience the excitement of original discovery.
Admissions
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- School of Law
- Summer and Intersession
- Financial Aid
- Tuition and Fees
- More Admissions…
USD’s emphasis on academic excellence, intellectual rigor and global citizenship showcases our commitment to each student. USD offers the intellectual environment that will inspire you to begin shaping your future. By becoming a Torero, you are becoming part of the more than 60-year-long history of dedicated Changemakers.

Our students strive for academic excellence and take great pride in serving their communities. At USD, students learn to think critically, act globally and work collaboratively to achieve their full potential.
Experience
- Torero Life
- Housing and Residential Life
- Dining and Cafés
- Sports & Recreation
- University Ministry
- Diversity
- More Experience…
USD offers students endless opportunities to connect with the campus, the community, and each other. With nearly 200 clubs and organizations, countless sports and residence hall activities, guest lectures, community service opportunities and wellness programs, Toreros have every resource necessary to maximize their USD experience.

USD has an active, thriving campus community. In addition to its sublime setting — enhanced by an average 300 days of sunshine each year — USD offers students an abundance of academic programs, facilities and resources.
Directory
- People
- Offices & Departments
- Site Index
- Social Networking
- More Directory…
Even to the casual eye, it's apparent that the campus runs like a well-oiled machine, in large part due to our hard working team members, all dedicated to making sure that the USD student experience is reflective of the distinctive quality that the university is known for.

More than 1500 full-time and 750 part-time employees worked at USD in 2011, in capacities ranging from faculty to food service to administration to groundskeeper.
Gateways
- Prospective Students
- Current Students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Parents
- Alumni
- Visitors
- Athletics
The USD community is comprised of many diverse individuals. To assist with the various aspects of personal and professional development, the university provides various offices, programs and services. Gateways provides links to some of the areas that might be of interest to you.

From the moment you step on our beautiful campus you can see that USD is exceptional.

University of San Diego Facts

Our Campus

Roman Catholic. Private. Coeducational. Residential. Independent.
180 acres perched on a pristine canyon – easily navigable, pedestrian-friendly
Beautiful 16th century Spanish Renaissance architectural style
Beaches, mountains, downtown and the Mexican border – all within a short drive
Carnegie classification of “Doctoral/Research University”
Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1956

Academics

Undergraduate Programs: 42 bachelor's degrees with many concentrations; 50 minors
Graduate Programs: 39 master's degrees, the JD, five LLM degrees, three doctorates
Faculty: 400 full time, 475 part time – 875 total headcount (576 FTE)
Degrees Awarded: 1,315 bachelor's, 683 master's, 377 doctorates – 2,375 total

Students

Enrollment: 8,105 headcount (7,585 FTE) undergraduate, paralegal, graduate and law students
New Fall Admissions: 1,074 freshmen, 371 transfers, 623 graduate students, 304 law students
Demographics: 32% minority students, 6% international students
Alumni: 55,805 living in all 50 states and 104 countries, with 71% living in California

Campus Life

Residential campus: 97% of freshman and 45% of undergraduates live on campus
10 separate living areas, with styles ranging from shared rooms to apartments
Member, West Coast Conference and Pioneer Football League
17 NCAA Division I teams, 23 sports clubs, many recreation clubs and fitness classes
6 national fraternities and 8 national sororities
Student Life Pavilion offers dining options, student activities, and a full-service market