The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

Located on 180 acres overlooking the city of San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the campus is a community treasure, with Spanish Renaissance-inspired buildings and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Chartered in 1949, the university enrolls more than 7,000 students and is known for its commitment to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and community service. In less than 60 years, the University of San Diego has grown from a local college with 50 students and a handful of professors to a nationally ranked university. This achievement is the direct result of a single, unwavering expectation: academic excellence.

USD offers more than 60 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The university adds depth to education by inspiring students to grow spiritually, morally and socially. The breadth of programs and depth of facilities means that students can easily find a course of study that ignites their intellectual fire. In the classroom, coursework across disciplines encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills.

Small class size means the instructors know their students and can stimulate curious minds with anything from participation in a research project to an after-class discussion on topic. Instructors welcome the free exchange of complex ideas in an environment of tolerance and civility. In this environment, students begin a lifelong habit of appreciating and cultivating their individual gifts.

To complement this instruction, the university's Honors program provides a challenging curriculum for USD's uniquely motivated students. The university also holds memberships in several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa.

While intellectual growth is key, USD adds depth to the education experience by inspiring students to grow spiritually, morally and socially. An active faith community invites widespread student participation. In the classroom, study is accompanied by an examination of ethics and values University of San Diego students inquire freely and challenge ideas, exercise moral, spiritual and social judgment, serve others, and contemplate social justice in their lives and in their chosen fields. These students are truly educated. These students achieve excellence.

Students, faculty and staff are active members of the community, volunteering time and expertise, fostering friendships, and working to preserve the region’s unique character. With a population of more than 7,500 students and approximately 2,000 employees, the university impacts the life of the area economically, politically and socially. In turn, the university welcomes the community to participate in campus life, through classes, special events, sports, forums and tours.