Students at the University of San Diego earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among private universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve exceptional financial outcomes that place the university in the top tier for both expected and actual long-term earnings.
The University of San Diego delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes, ranking in the top 6% nationally for 10-year earnings among all four-year institutions. What makes USD distinctive is how consistently it converts selectivity into strong career results — graduates earn a median of $86,522 ten years out, with particularly impressive outcomes in business and engineering fields. The university admits about 19% of students who receive Pell Grants and 25% who are first-generation, creating a selective but not exclusive environment.
USD's strength lies in its ability to deliver earnings that substantially exceed expectations. Graduates earn about $12,635 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's strong alumni networks, career services, and connections to San Diego's thriving business and technology sectors. The university's location provides access to diverse industries including biotechnology, defense, tourism, and finance.
As a mid-sized private Catholic research university, USD combines the personalized attention of a smaller institution with the resources and opportunities of a major university. For families who can manage the higher costs, USD offers a compelling combination of academic quality, career outcomes, and geographic advantages that translate into measurable long-term value.
The University of San Diego's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on high-return professional fields that align with Southern California's economy. Banking and Financial Support Services emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 231 graduates with strong median earnings of $61,069, creating exceptional aggregate economic value. This program's success reflects USD's strong connections to San Diego's financial services sector and broader California banking industry.
Business Administration and Management represents USD's largest program footprint with 148 graduates earning $47,260, providing a solid foundation for careers across multiple industries. Engineering programs deliver the highest individual returns, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $75,706 despite smaller cohort sizes of 24 students. Even specialized programs like Neuroanatomy, with 76 graduates earning $28,960, serve important pre-professional pathways that often lead to graduate school and advanced careers in healthcare and research.
The university's program mix emphasizes professional preparation and industry alignment, with particular strength in business, finance, and engineering fields that consistently deliver strong early-career outcomes. This focused approach, combined with USD's location advantages and alumni networks, helps explain why graduates across programs achieve earnings that substantially exceed national expectations.
University of San Diego graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $86,522 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn about $12,635 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide, placing USD in the top 6% for earnings beyond expectations. This substantial earnings advantage reflects the university's strong industry connections, robust alumni networks, and strategic location in one of California's most dynamic economic regions.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as USD's highest aggregate-return program, graduating 231 students with median earnings of $61,069 and generating exceptional total economic value. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program footprint with 148 graduates earning $47,260, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $75,706 for its 24 graduates. Even programs with more modest early earnings, like Neuroanatomy with 76 graduates earning $28,960, contribute to USD's diverse academic portfolio that serves students across multiple career pathways.
Affordability at the University of San Diego varies significantly by family income, reflecting its position as a selective private institution. Low-income students pay about $17,543 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $19,998 per year. High-income families face substantially higher costs at $46,152 annually, which places USD among the more expensive private universities nationally. The university's financial aid strategy clearly prioritizes supporting students from lower-income backgrounds while expecting higher-income families to pay closer to full price.
Debt levels reflect this pricing structure, with typical graduates carrying $22,940 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $49,350 through Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are substantial, they remain manageable given USD's strong earnings outcomes. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations. The combination of higher upfront costs but strong long-term earnings creates a value proposition that works best for families who can handle the initial investment in exchange for superior career outcomes.
University Of San Diego Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
