University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Quick Facts
“Emitte Spiritum Tuum (Latin)”(Send Forth Thy Spirit)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of San Diego
Experience academic excellence and a vibrant campus life at this beautiful private Catholic university.
Nestled in picturesque San Diego, California, the University of San Diego (USD) stands as a prominent private Catholic research university dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and ethical leadership. With its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, USD offers an inspiring environment where students can thrive academically and personally. It's classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking scholarship and innovation across numerous fields.
USD's rich history began in 1949 with the chartering of the San Diego College for Women and San Diego University (comprising the College for Men and School of Law). These institutions, envisioned by Bishop Charles F. Buddy and Reverend Mother Rosalie Hill, merged in 1972 to form the co-educational university we know today. Significant philanthropic contributions, notably from Joan B. Kroc, Jenny Craig, and Donald Shiley, have profoundly shaped the campus, leading to state-of-the-art facilities like the Institute for Peace & Justice, Jenny Craig Pavilion, and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.
Academically, USD boasts 89 undergraduate and graduate programs across its diverse schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, Knauss School of Business, and the School of Law. This breadth of offerings ensures a comprehensive education tailored to modern challenges. For students, life at USD is dynamic, with the San Diego Toreros competing in NCAA Division I athletics, and a strong sense of community supported by facilities like the Student Life Pavilion and the recently opened Knauss Center for Business Education, an innovation ecosystem designed for future leaders.
With a motto of "Emitte Spiritum Tuum" (Send Forth Thy Spirit), USD encourages students to engage deeply with their studies, embrace service, and make a meaningful impact on the world. Its urban campus, welcoming over 9,000 students from across the globe, combines a rigorous academic experience with the relaxed, vibrant culture of San Diego, making it an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Key Highlights
- ✦Private Catholic research university classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity."
- ✦Founded in 1949, USD operates with an endowment of approximately $0.8 billion.
- ✦Enrollment of approximately 9,073 undergraduate, graduate, paralegal, and law students from 85 countries and 50 U.S. states.
- ✦Offers 89 undergraduate and graduate programs across 8 professional schools and colleges.
- ✦Home to the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, supported by a $50 million gift from Mrs. Kroc.
- ✦NCAA Division I athletics, with the San Diego Toreros competing in the West Coast Conference.
- ✦Recent campus enhancements include the 2022 opening of the 120,000-square-foot Knauss Center for Business Education.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within University of San Diego
College of Arts and Sciences
The foundational college offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines.
Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
Dedicated to educating future healthcare professionals and advancing health sciences.
Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
A unique school focused on peacebuilding, social justice, and global leadership, generously endowed by Joan B. Kroc.
Division of Professional and Continuing Education
Offers flexible learning opportunities for professional development and lifelong education.
Knauss School of Business
Provides comprehensive business education, now housed in a new 120,000-square-foot innovation and collaboration complex.
School of Law
A respected institution for legal education, part of the university's original charter.
School of Leadership and Education Services (SOLES)
Focuses on developing leaders and educators through various programs.
Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
Named after inventor Donald Shiley, this school offers advanced engineering education with modern teaching laboratories.
Find Scholarships at University of San Diego
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search