University of San Diego admits approximately 46.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the Selective category (25-50% admission rate), making it moderately competitive but more accessible than highly selective institutions. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights that University of San Diego maintains higher selectivity than typical four-year institutions, with an admission rate 23.8 percentage points below peer averages. This level of selectivity means that strong academic credentials are important for admission, but most qualified students have reasonable chances of acceptance. Students should expect a thorough review process that evaluates multiple factors beyond test scores and grades. For prospective applicants, this selectivity level suggests treating University of San Diego as a target school if academic credentials align with enrolled student profiles, rather than as a reach institution. The 46.8% admission rate allows for more predictable outcomes compared to highly selective schools, while still maintaining academic standards that attract motivated students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of San Diego enrolls 19.4% Pell-eligible students and 24.9% first-generation students, indicating the university serves students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining selective admission standards. These shares are moderate relative to national averages, reflecting the university's position as a private institution with selective admission that still provides access to students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Transfer students comprise 21.5% of enrolled students, demonstrating meaningful pathways for students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. The student composition suggests that University of San Diego values both academic achievement and socioeconomic diversity, though the relatively lower Pell share indicates that students from higher-income families comprise the majority of enrolled students. First-generation students should know that nearly 1 in 4 enrolled students shares their background, suggesting institutional familiarity with supporting students who are navigating higher education without family precedent. The transfer share of 21.5% indicates that University of San Diego welcomes students from diverse educational pathways and provides meaningful opportunities for students seeking to complete their degrees after starting elsewhere. For prospective students, this composition suggests an environment that combines academic ambition with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
With a 46.8% admission rate, University of San Diego represents a moderately selective option where qualified students have reasonable prospects for admission. However, students seeking additional options should consider alternatives that offer similar career outcomes.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
University of San Diego demonstrates strong retention and completion outcomes, with 89.8% of freshmen returning for sophomore year compared to the peer median of 83.1%. The university's 81.6% six-year graduation rate further exceeds typical completion patterns for similar institutions, where peer median completion stands at 70%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 81.1%, creating only a 0.5 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This minimal Pell gap indicates exceptional support systems for lower-income students, as many institutions see larger completion disparities between Pell and non-Pell students. The nearly identical completion rates across income levels suggest that University of San Diego successfully supports students from diverse economic backgrounds once they enroll. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, regardless of their family's economic circumstances. The 89.8% retention rate indicates that the vast majority of students find the academic and social environment conducive to continued enrollment. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as evidence of effective student support services, appropriate academic placement, and an institutional culture that prioritizes student success across diverse backgrounds.
Similar quality tier (#336 ranked)
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
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