USD Rankings Second Nationally in Study Abroad Participation

The University of San Diego is once again among the top study-abroad institutions in the country, according to data from the 2023–24 Open Doors report released today.

USD posted an 89.8% study-abroad participation rate — its highest ever — earning the university the No. 2 national ranking for the percentage of undergraduates who study abroad compared to degrees awarded. The university previously claimed the top spot three times (2009-10, 2010-11 and 2016-17) but this marks its first return to the top five since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In total, about 1,540 USD undergraduate and graduate students studied abroad last year. That places USD among the top 40 doctoral institutions nationwide for the total number of students sent abroad, despite being the smallest university in that group.

University officials said the new ranking reflects strong collaboration across campus.

“The number 2 ranking is an incredible acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work that takes place every day within the International Center to make international opportunities accessible to all USD students,” said Associate Provost for International Affairs James Bolender, PhD. “It reflects the collective effort of staff, faculty and partners who believe deeply in the power of global education.” 

USD has frequently appeared in the top tier for study-abroad participation but has not consistently ranked in the top 40 for total numbers — making this year’s dual achievement especially significant.

The Open Doors report is published annually by the Institute of International Education and is considered one of the most comprehensive sources for U.S. study-abroad data.

The recognition is a testament to USD’s remarkable faculty, who design and lead faculty-led programs around the world each semester, intersession and summer, added Bolender. 

“Through their creativity and commitment, they bring to life short term and high-impact courses that make study abroad possible for students who might otherwise not be able to participate,” he said. 

Between the new USD Madrid Center, which hosts about 200 undergraduate and 100 graduate students per year, and many other innovative initiatives on the horizon, Bolender expects USD to continue to be a leader in international education. “Students have come to expect access to these international opportunities when they commit to come to USD. Their energy and desire for new experiences drives us forward to continue innovating.”

— USD News Center