University of San Diego
University of San Diego — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of San Diego at a Glance
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California, United States. Chartered in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, the two institutions merged in 1972.
1949
77 years old
$767M
$767 million (2025)
810
5,702 undergrad · 2,529 grad
1,007
Identity
Is University of San Diego Worth It?
University of San Diego offers moderate value at $30,365/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $86,522, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 83% graduation rate means roughly 17% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of San Diego compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 13 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 83 | $18,425 | $82,592 |
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #3 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #4 | St Olaf College | 57 | $23,874 | $65,543 |
| #5 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 54 | $43,071 | $103,470 |
| #6 | Furman University | 45 | $30,308 | $68,635 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of San Diego's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CA.
Best Programs at University of San Diego
The highest-earning program at University of San Diego is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $71,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $27,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from University of San Diego earns $71,400, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $27,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,365/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $71,400 | $71,400 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,900 | $63,900 | $26,028 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $61,100 | $61,100 | $26,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $57,800 | $57,800 | $21,922 |
| International Business | $47,600 | $47,600 | $25,125 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $45,200 | $45,200 | $23,125 |
| Marketing | $43,500 | $43,500 | $20,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,400 | $42,400 | $22,313 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $36,300 | $36,300 | $24,183 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $34,700 | $34,700 | $25,899 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,800 | $33,800 | $23,219 |
| Biology, General | $33,000 | $33,000 | $24,625 |
| Political Science and Government | $31,900 | $31,900 | $26,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $30,100 | $30,100 | $24,766 |
| Sociology | $29,200 | $29,200 | $21,375 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $29,100 | $29,100 | $25,203 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $23,029 |
| Psychology, General | $27,100 | $27,100 | $22,094 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Student Body
- 5,671 students
- Admission Rate
- 52%
- Graduation Rate
- 83%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,365
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $86,522
- Median Student Debt
- $22,940