University of San Diego

San Diego, USA

Type of institution:

University
College

Age range:18+

Type of training:

Co-educational private schools

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1949

About the University of San Diego

History and Key Events The University of San Diego was founded in 1949 as separate institutions: San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which merged into one university in 1972. The institution was originally created to support Catholic education and continues to adhere to its traditional spiritual roots while remaining a modern and progressive center of learning. Over the more than 70 years of existence, USD has gone through many stages of development: 1950s: Opening of the first academic programs and construction of the campus. 1972: Merger of the college for women and university for men, creating a modern university. 1998: Establishment of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the world's first school dedicated to the study of peace and justice. 2020s: USD continues to expand its international programs focused on global research and inclusivity. Educational Philosophy and Approaches The philosophy of the University of San Diego is based on three main pillars: academic excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. The educational approach is rooted in the Catholic tradition, but the university is open to students of all faiths, providing opportunities for comprehensive development. Role and Significance in the Education System USD is one of the leading private universities in the United States and ranks highly in global educational institution rankings. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, making it competitive on the global stage. Among the particularly popular programs are Business Administration, Law, International Relations, Peace Studies, and Engineering. Thanks to its international connections and orientation towards global research, the university actively develops exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad in more than 40 countries around the world. This makes it an important player in the global education system.

Admission conditions in University of San Diego

Age limit: Applicants must be over 17 years old (usually graduating high school at this age). Application: Applications are made through the Common Application or USD's Application Portal. Application fee: $55 (non-refundable). Exams: SAT or ACT: In 2024, the University of San Diego became test-optional, meaning that applicants can choose whether to submit the results of these exams (it is not mandatory, but recommended). For foreign students whose native language is not English, passing an English language exam is required: TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 points). High school diploma: A certified translation of the diploma into English is required (if the original is in another language). For foreign students, evaluation of the diploma through recognized agencies such as WES or ECE may be required. Grades and transcripts: Grades for the last three years of study (including interim and final reports). For foreign students: grades must be translated into English and officially certified. Recommendations: It is mandatory to provide 2 recommendation letters from teachers or counselors (educators who can describe your academic achievements and character). Essay: A personal essay (Personal Statement) must be submitted as part of the application. This is an important part where applicants can talk about themselves, their goals, motivation, and why they want to study at USD. Proof of financial ability: For foreign students, proof of funds for tuition and living expenses for the entire academic year must be provided. This can be a bank statement indicating the amount covering the expenses for education (approximately $77,000 per year). Additional documents for foreign students: Visa documentation: after admission, data for obtaining an F-1 visa (student visa) will be required. Financial Verification Form: filled out and submitted with the application, confirming that the student or their sponsors can pay for the education. Interview (optional): Sometimes, interviews may be scheduled for applicants (especially for graduate programs or in special circumstances).

Minimum rating for admission to University of San Diego

The University of San Diego (USD) does not set a strict minimum GPA requirement for admission, but it is recommended that applicants have a high academic level. In practice, the average GPA of admitted students is usually 3.9 on a 4.0 scale (approximately 90-95% in the European grading system). However, the university considers applicants in a holistic manner, which means that not only GPA but also other factors such as extracurricular achievements, essays, recommendations, leadership qualities, and personal circumstances are important. Additional parameters: SAT: average score of admitted students - 1210-1370. ACT: average score - 27-31.

Prospects after completing studies in University of San Diego

Graduates of the University of San Diego (USD) have excellent career prospects thanks to the high quality of education and the university's strong reputation. They are in demand in various fields, including business, law, engineering, international relations, healthcare, and sustainable development. USD supports students through internship programs, career fairs, and a strong alumni network. Many graduates find jobs in top companies such as Google, Deloitte, Microsoft, and successfully build careers in government and non-profit organizations. In addition, USD actively promotes social responsibility and entrepreneurship, opening up opportunities for creating their own startups. The high level of employment (around 93% in the first year after graduation) and competitive salaries make the university attractive to ambitious students aiming for success on a global scale.