A straight answer: 52.4% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 52 actually get in. No guessing. University of San Diego is a UNIV institution located in San Diego, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose University of San Diego. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Understanding the Acceptance Rate at University of San Diego Beyond the Headline
The acceptance rate at University of San Diego is often treated as a shortcut for admissions difficulty. Students see the number, compare it to other schools, and assume it directly answers how likely they are to get in. In reality, acceptance rates are summaries, not personalized indicators—and that distinction matters.
An acceptance rate of 52.4% reflects how many applicants were admitted overall, not how admissions decisions are made for individual students. It blends together applicants with different academic goals, preparation levels, and reasons for applying, which makes it useful for context but limited for prediction.
What Influences Acceptance Rates at University of San Diego
One of the biggest drivers behind acceptance rates is applicant behavior. When a university attracts a high volume of applications—including many from students who apply broadly or experimentally—the acceptance rate can rise without any change in academic expectations.
At University of San Diego, demand can also vary by program. Some majors receive far more applications than available seats, while others are intentionally designed to remain accessible. This means the real level of competition depends heavily on what a student plans to study, not just the university as a whole.
Using Acceptance Rate Data the Smart Way
Instead of asking whether University of San Diego is “easy” or “hard” to get into, applicants should use acceptance rate data as a framing tool. It helps categorize schools and set expectations, but it doesn’t replace understanding fit.
Students who approach the acceptance rate at University of San Diego as one piece of a larger picture—alongside academic preparation and program alignment—tend to make better, more confident application decisions.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into University of San Diego
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at University of San Diego based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherPutting Admissions Competitiveness into Perspective
College admissions research often creates more questions than answers. Numbers provide structure, but perspective comes from understanding how decisions are actually made.
At universities like University of San Diego, admissions outcomes depend on more than overall competitiveness. Academic focus, preparation level, and clarity of intent all influence how applications are reviewed.
A Healthier Way to Think About the Process
Instead of viewing admissions as a pass-or-fail system, it helps to see it as a matching process. Universities look for students who are prepared to succeed in their environment, and students look for institutions that support their goals.
When viewed through that lens, admissions data becomes grounding rather than intimidating. It helps students make informed choices, apply with intention, and move forward knowing they approached the process thoughtfully — regardless of outcome.
Should You Apply to University of San Diego?
If 52.4% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore University of San Diego
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About University of San Diego Acceptance Rate
Is the University of San Diego test-optional or test-free?
USD has a test-free admissions policy for Fall 2026 and does not consider standardized tests in the admissions process.
What is the average GPA for admitted students at USD?
The average GPA for admitted students at the University of San Diego is reported to be 4.1 in recent admission cycles.
Does USD consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions?
No, the University of San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores in its admissions decisions. They follow a test-free policy.
What are the high school course requirements for USD applicants?
Applicants to USD are recommended to have completed 4-5 academic subjects per year in high school to ensure readiness for college-level work.
How does USD's holistic review process work?
USD's holistic review process evaluates applicants based on GPA, college prep curriculum, personal essays, and extracurricular involvement, rather than solely on test scores.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
University of San Diego isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success
