USD Earns Top National Marks in Princeton Review’s ‘2027 Best Colleges’ Edition
The University of San Diego has earned some lofty praise from its most discerning audience — its students.
According to The Princeton Review’s recently released Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition, USD earned top ratings in a variety of categories, including four top-two national rankings that speak directly to the Torero experience.
USD ranks No. 1 for Best Quality of Life and No. 1 for Most Beautiful Campus, while also earning No. 2 rankings for Happiest Students and Their Students Love These Colleges.
What makes these rankings particularly meaningful is that they come directly from students. The Princeton Review’s category rankings are based on responses to its 98-question student survey, giving students a chance to weigh in on everything from campus life and academics to career preparation, health services and the overall college experience.
And they had plenty of great things to say about USD.
Per the survey, students pointed to opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through research, internships, study abroad and other experiential learning experiences. They also highlighted the accessibility and passion of USD’s faculty and the sense of community that makes the university feel like a place where students can find their people and make the most of their college experience.
The following rankings offer a snapshot of what students value most about USD, and why the university continues to stand out among the nation’s colleges and universities:
No. 1 for Best Quality of Life
There’s a lot that goes into making a great college experience, and for Toreros, it starts with the quality of life on campus.
With ‘America’s Finest City’ as its backyard, a strong focus on wellness and a community that encourages students to get involved, USD offers plenty of ways for students to make the most of their time at Alcalá Park.
No. 1 for Most Beautiful Campus
Year after year, USD is recognized among the most beautiful college campuses in the nation, and The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings continue that tradition. Perched atop a mesa at the entrance of Mission Valley and overlooking San Diego and Mission Bay, USD’s 180-acre campus is known for its distinctive Spanish Renaissance architecture and sweeping views.
No. 2 for Happiest Students
From the student perspective, this recognition speaks to the connections students make during their time here. From residential life and Living-Learning Communities to athletics, service and experiential learning, there are countless ways for students to get involved and find their place in the Torero community.
No. 2 for Their Students Love These Colleges
This ranking serves as a fitting companion to the university’s ranking for Happiest Students — and a reflection of the experiences and sense of belonging that students say make their time at USD special.
Together, the four top-two rankings tell a compelling story: Students enjoy being here, they value the place they call home for four years and they appreciate the people and opportunities that make up the USD experience.
Recognition Across the Student Experience
In addition to the rankings outlined above, USD earned 11 additional top-25 ratings, spanning academics, career preparation, health and wellness, campus life and sustainability.
Among them, USD ranked No. 4 for Best Health Services, No. 4 for College City Gets High Mark and No. 4 for Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation. The university also ranked No. 6 for Best Campus Food, No. 10 for Best College Library and No. 10 for Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact (Private Schools)
Additional top-25 rankings include:
USD was also recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s Best West and Green Colleges.
— USD News Center