University of San Diego's published cost of attendance is $78,720. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $78,720 |
| Tuition and Fees | $59,486 |
| Room and Board | $19,918 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$48,355 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $30,365 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,586 |
| $30–48k | $17,441 |
| $48–75k | $19,557 |
| $75–110k | $27,012 |
| $110k+ | $46,989 |
University of San Diego's published cost of attendance is $78,720. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $15,586; middle-income families pay around $19,557; higher-income families pay approximately $46,989. Azimuth ranks University of San Diego #1260 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. The university's aid structure is need-based, with financial aid distributed through the FAFSA and institutional evaluation. Families should review USD's financial aid page for current aid policies, merit scholarship eligibility, and the full range of available funding sources. The gap between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to need-based aid, though the specific aid package depends on individual circumstances and demonstrated financial need. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,940, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $56,559; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $85,309, median federal debt of $22,940 projects to a monthly payment of about $259 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $85,309, placing University of San Diego in the 87.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $11,315 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing University of San Diego in the 87.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs above the $67,139 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Azimuth ranks University of San Diego #161 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern at University of San Diego is anchored by its dominant concentration in Business. The Finance program graduates 204 students with median earnings of $93,099 four years after enrollment, and Azimuth ranks the program #82 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Business Administration and Psychology, General also contribute to the earnings profile, with graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $79,678 and $74,178 respectively. Programs in Business represent 41% of degree output, followed by Social Sciences at 11% and Engineering at 8%, a mix that reflects University of San Diego's professional-degree orientation.
