University of San Diego Sweeps Princeton Review Rankings, Securing 15 Top National Marks
August 18, 2026 (SAN DIEGO, CA) – According to The Princeton Review’s recently released Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition — the University of San Diego (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.
The rankings are particularly meaningful because 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.
“While we are proud of our beautiful campus and inspiring surroundings, it is the people who make USD special and work every day to serve the public good and support our talented students,” said USD President James T. Harris III. “Our Princeton Review rankings demonstrate that USD not only opens doors academically, but also provides the resources and opportunities that students value to make the most of their time on our campus and maximize their impact on the community and the world.”
According to the survey, students pointed to opportunities at USD to learn beyond the classroom through research, internships, study abroad, and other hands-on learning initiatives. 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 make the most of their college journey.
The 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.
“From health services, to food, to ways to get involved, this year’s Princeton Review rankings show that students value the significant efforts the university has made to support holistic wellness,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Charlotte Johnson. “These results reflect our thriving student model in action, and recognize everyone whose hard work makes USD an incredible place to live, work and learn.”
Other notable USD rankings include 11 additional top-25 ratings, spanning academics, career preparation, health and wellness, campus life and sustainability.
USD was also recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s Best West and Green Colleges.
Information about The Princeton Review Best Colleges for 2027 project is posted on their website. You can also find the ranking methodology and student survey here.
You can access b-roll here.
About the University of San Diego
Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is among the Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact according to The Princeton Review. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.