University of San Diego's published cost of attendance reaches $74,879 per year, comprising $56,444 in tuition, $18,084 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $31,265 after financial aid, representing $43,614 in aid savings from the sticker price.
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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 reaches $74,879 per year, comprising $56,444 in tuition, $18,084 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $31,265 after financial aid, representing $43,614 in aid savings from the sticker price. This net price of $31,265 exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $4,122, reflecting the university's position as a private institution with higher base costs than typical four-year colleges.
The substantial gap between sticker price and actual costs demonstrates significant financial aid distribution, with the university providing meaningful support to reduce the burden of attendance. Net price varies considerably by family income, ranging from $17,543 for lowest-income students to $46,152 for highest-income families. This $28,609 spread indicates progressive aid targeting that concentrates resources toward students with the greatest financial need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of San Diego graduates carry median debt of $22,940, which falls $1,241 below the peer median of $24,181, indicating controlled borrowing relative to similar institutions. Debt ranges from $11,250 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in how students finance their education.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means typical graduates dedicate approximately 27% of their first year's salary to debt repayment, which falls within manageable ranges for long-term financial sustainability. Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $49,350 with monthly payments of approximately $650, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt levels.
However, focusing on student debt alone, University of San Diego graduates maintain borrowing levels that align with their strong earnings outcomes. The combination of $22,940 median debt with $86,522 median earnings creates favorable repayment conditions that support post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of San Diego delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled debt and outstanding earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $12,635 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 88.7th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
With median earnings of $86,522 compared to peer median earnings of $63,066, graduates earn $23,456 more annually than typical outcomes at similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that support financial stability rather than constraining post-graduation opportunities.
The university's 95th percentile ROI ranking reflects this favorable combination of strong earnings growth with manageable debt burdens. Students investing in University of San Diego education can expect returns that justify the higher costs relative to public alternatives, particularly given the substantial earnings premium graduates achieve.
University of San Diego demonstrates strong financial aid distribution with 19.4% of students receiving Pell grants, indicating meaningful enrollment of lower-income students despite the institution's private status and selective admission profile. The $43,614 average financial aid savings represents 58.2% of the total cost of attendance, showing substantial institutional investment in making education accessible across income levels.
The progressive net price structure, where lowest-income families pay $17,543 compared to $46,152 for highest-income families, reflects targeted aid policies that recognize varying ability to pay. This aid distribution pattern supports the university's 24.9% first-generation student enrollment, as many first-generation students also come from lower-income backgrounds.
The financial aid profile indicates that University of San Diego uses institutional resources to bridge the gap between high private school costs and family financial capacity, particularly for students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in private higher education. However, the net price of $31,265 still exceeds many public alternatives, requiring families to weigh the value proposition of private education against cost considerations.
