The University of San Diego (USD) is a private, Roman Catholic research university located in the Montecito neighborhood of San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1949, it is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego and the Sisters of Mercy. The university enrolls approximately 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and offers a range of liberal arts, professional, and doctoral programs across several schools and colleges.
History
USD began as the San Diego College of Women (established 1950) and the San Diego University (established 1952). In 1972, the two institutions merged to form the coeducational University of San Diego. The university’s founding charter emphasizes the integration of academic excellence with Catholic intellectual tradition and service to the community.
Campus
The main campus occupies about 105 acres along the San Diego Bay and includes Spanish Renaissance–style architecture. Key facilities include the 12‑story Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Center, the 1,600‑seat John M. Kelly Hall for performing arts, and the John M. and Mary Jo Doolan School of Business. The university also operates a satellite campus for the School of Law in the historic Old Town area and a marine science research facility at the nearby Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Academics
USD is organized into several schools and colleges, including:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Kroc School of Peace Studies (the only graduate school of peace in the United States)
- School of Business
- School of Law (the only Catholic law school in Southern California)
- School of Engineering
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- School of Professional Studies
The university offers bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. It is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a “Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity.”
Student Body and Faculty
The student population is diverse, with a representation of domestic and international students. As of the most recent reporting, the faculty‑to‑student ratio is approximately 1:15, and the university reports a median freshman GPA of 3.7.
Research and Centers
USD hosts multiple research centers, including the Center for Ethics and Leadership, the Institute for Sustainable Energy, and the Center for Human Rights. Faculty receive external funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and private foundations.
Athletics
The university’s athletic teams, known as the Toreros, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the West Coast Conference. Sports include basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, and volleyball. The men's basketball program has made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament.
Affiliations and Accreditation
USD is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission. Specific programs hold professional accreditations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for the School of Business and the American Bar Association (ABA) for the School of Law.
Notable Alumni
Alumni of the University of San Diego have pursued careers in public service, business, sports, and the arts. Notable graduates include former U.S. Congressman Jim Costa, professional baseball pitcher Tim Lincecum, and former NFL player Dave Tollefson.
Governance
The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes lay leaders, clergy, and members of the Sisters of Mercy. The President of the university oversees academic and administrative functions; as of the latest available information, the president is Dr. James T. Harris III.
Endowment
USD’s endowment was reported at approximately $500 million in recent financial statements, supporting scholarships, faculty positions, and capital projects.
Community Engagement
Consistent with its Catholic mission, the university emphasizes service learning, community outreach, and social justice initiatives. Programs such as the Center for Community Service and the Torero Service Corps facilitate student participation in local volunteer efforts.