University of San Diego Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for a private university like the University of San Diego can feel overwhelming, especially for first-gen families. That’s why we’ve broken everything down—tuition, scholarships, and hidden resources—in one plain-English guide. You can also check our California state aid guide to see what additional grants might help cover the cost.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of San Diego
Assumption: USD charges a block tuition rate for 12–18 units per semester (same price for in-state and out-of-state; private university). Figures below reflect a standard on-campus budget.
| Line Item (annual) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 units) | $62,420 | $62,420 |
| Housing & Meal Plan (standard) | $18,230 | $18,230 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,080 | $1,080 |
| Travel | $1,215 | $1,215 |
| Personal | $3,285 | $3,285 |
| Total (before aid) | $86,230 | $86,230 |
Reciprocity / WUE / Regional Pricing: Not applicable. USD is a private university and is not part of public-system tuition exchange programs like WUE/NEBHE. Savings at USD typically come from institutional merit, need-based aid, ROTC, and outside/state grants (e.g., Cal Grant for eligible Californians).
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at USD
Does USD cost the same for in-state and out-of-state students?
Yes. USD is a private university, so tuition is the same for all students regardless of residency.
How accurate are these “other costs” like travel and personal?
These are standard allowances USD uses for financial aid purposes. Your family’s actual spending may be higher or lower, but aid is calculated with these estimates.
Do I need both the FAFSA and CSS Profile?
For domestic undergraduates, only the FAFSA is required. USD does not currently require the CSS Profile.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
USD awards most first-year merit automatically during admission review (no separate application). Awards generally renew for four years with full-time enrollment and a minimum USD GPA (typically 3.0).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | ≈ $25,000–$28,000/yr | Top academics in USD’s applicant pool; holistic review emphasizes grades and course rigor (test-free for admission). | No | Yes — typically 3.0 GPA & full-time | A/A- averages with max rigor; strong writing/activities. *Estimate bands (USD doesn’t publish cutoffs). |
| Presidential Scholarship | ≈ $22,000–$26,000/yr | Very strong academics and rigor; overall profile strength can offset testing (test not required). | No | Yes — typically 3.0 GPA & full-time | A-/A profile with sustained rigor; leadership/service help. *Estimate. |
| Alcalá Award | ≈ $18,000–$20,000/yr | Strong academics; holistic review of grades, rigor, and contributions; test optional. | No | Yes — typically 3.0 GPA & full-time | B+/A- students with solid rigor and compelling activities. *Estimate. |
| Torero Pride / Entry Merit | < $18,000/yr (varies) | Admitted first-years with college-prep rigor; holistic review determines amount. | No | Yes — typically 3.0 GPA & full-time | Solid academic record and engagement; awards scale with overall profile. *Estimate. |
Why ranges? USD publishes merit bands (roughly $18k–$28k). Exact amounts depend on overall academic profile and holistic review. GPA/test “bands” above are estimates — USD does not publish fixed cutoffs.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at USD
Do I need to submit test scores for merit?
No. USD is test-free for admission selection, and merit is awarded through holistic academic review without requiring SAT/ACT.
Does USD superscore the SAT/ACT?
Superscoring is not applicable: USD does not consider SAT/ACT in admission selection. If you choose to send scores, they may be used for placement after enrollment.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. Most first-year merit is automatic with your admission file. Watch your portal/email for any rare program-specific forms.
Can USD merit stack with other aid?
Generally yes with federal/state grants and many outside scholarships. Always check your award letter for any combinations or caps.
Are there priority dates for merit consideration?
Apply by USD’s first-year deadlines (e.g., Nov 1 for ED/EA; Jan 15 for RD) to be in the main merit cycle.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are the big, university-level competitive scholarships that families often think of as “flagship” awards (high value, limited slots, extra steps like essays/interviews). Departmental and Honors-specific scholarships are not listed here—they’ll appear in their own sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? |
|---|
No university-level flagship (competitive) scholarships are publicly listed by USD for 2025–2026. We’ll recheck before publication in case a selective, interview-based award is announced for the new cycle.
FAQ — Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at USD
What counts as a “flagship” or competitive scholarship?
University-wide, high-value awards with limited slots that typically require extra steps (essays, interviews, portfolios). These are distinct from automatic merit and from departmental or Honors-only awards.
Does USD currently offer a named, full-tuition competition weekend?
There’s no public evidence of a central, interview-based full-tuition competition for the 2025–2026 cycle. If USD posts one, we’ll add the details (name, amount, deadlines) here.
Where should we look for big awards in the meantime?
Start with automatic merit in the previous section, then check Hidden Gems (ROTC, study abroad, identity-based, and donor funds). Those often stack with institutional aid and can materially lower net price.
Will departmental or Honors awards appear here later?
No—per CRP format, departmental and Honors scholarships have their own sections so families can compare like-with-like.
⭐ College Specialty
Families often ask what the University of San Diego is really known for beyond its beautiful campus. In truth, USD has carved out a national reputation in business and engineering, while also offering strong programs in environmental sciences and international studies. These specialties often come with industry connections, rankings, and career pipelines that matter just as much as scholarships.
- Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering — Ranked among the Top 15 non-doctoral undergraduate engineering programs by U.S. News (2025).
- Environmental & Ocean Sciences — Recognized in California for hands-on fieldwork and marine ecology pathways, with direct access to Pacific coastal research sites.
- International Relations and Peace Studies — Home to the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, one of the first dedicated schools of its kind in the nation, with strong global partnerships.
Note: USD is classified as an R2 Research University (high research activity), not R1. That means students get research opportunities with closer faculty access than at larger research-intensive institutions.
🎖️ Honors College
The University of San Diego offers a selective Honors Program designed for students who want smaller classes, close mentorship, and research opportunities. Admission is competitive and based on both academic performance and the student’s ability to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and leadership potential. Many students who earn USD’s top automatic merit awards, like the Alcalá Merit Award, are also invited to apply for Honors through their USD portal.
A/A- high school GPA, strong AP/IB or honors coursework, evidence of leadership, and curiosity for research or creative projects. *Exact GPA/test score cutoffs are not published.
- Priority class registration
- Specialized housing for first-years in Honors communities
- Team-taught interdisciplinary seminars
- Funding support for research and creative projects, including the Lawrence Hinman Research Grant for Honors thesis work
- Capstone thesis with faculty mentorship
FAQ — USD Honors Program
Is admission automatic for top students?
No. High-achieving admitted students are invited to apply, but acceptance requires essays and selection by the Honors Program committee. Students with the Alcalá Merit Award are frequently among those invited.
Does the Honors Program add time to a degree?
No. The program is structured so students complete one Honors course per semester and still graduate on time.
What extra funding is available once in Honors?
While there are no entry scholarships tied to Honors, current juniors and seniors can apply for thesis support through the Lawrence Hinman Research Grant and other Undergraduate Research Office funding.
When are applications due?
Invited students typically apply in the spring before freshman year. Deadlines vary, so check the Honors Program portal once admitted.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
For many families, the University of San Diego feels out of reach at first glance. But once you factor in automatic merit, ROTC pathways, and hidden-gem scholarships, the picture looks much different. Honors students gain even more support through thesis funding and faculty mentorship, and USD’s specialty programs in business, engineering, and peace studies provide real pipelines into careers. With careful planning—and by knowing where the money actually comes from—families can turn USD into a realistic option rather than just a dream.
✅ Last updated: September 23, 2025