University of San Diego Top Rankings

The University of San Diego (USD) stands as a prominent institution of higher learning, rooted in Catholic values and a commitment to academic rigor. Chartered in 1949, USD has grown to become one of the leading Catholic universities in the United States. It is one of only 18 Catholic universities to have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the prestigious academic honor society. The university’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its diverse range of academic programs, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus, making it a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and socially responsible education.

USD offers a broad spectrum of programs across its six schools, which provide students with opportunities to study in a variety of fields, from law to business to peace studies. These schools are the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the School of Business Administration, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Through these schools, USD strives to create an environment that fosters intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service.

Schools at USD

Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers graduate-level programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a variety of healthcare settings. The school offers a range of programs, including a Master’s in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D. in Nursing. The Hahn School emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare that integrates the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of patients, and prepares its graduates to take on leadership roles in nursing and healthcare policy.

Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies is one of the most unique and distinguished programs at USD. It is dedicated to training the next generation of peacebuilders and leaders who are committed to resolving conflict, promoting social justice, and creating sustainable peace in a complex, interconnected world. The Kroc School offers master’s and doctoral programs in Peace Studies, focusing on the global challenges of conflict resolution, human rights, and peacebuilding. Students engage in both academic studies and practical field experiences, preparing them to work in international organizations, governments, NGOs, and peacebuilding initiatives around the world.

School of Business Administration

The School of Business Administration at USD is one of the top business schools in the country and is recognized for its high academic standards and commitment to integrating business practices with social responsibility. It is one of the few schools in the nation to offer both AACSB-accredited business programs and ABET-accredited engineering degree programs, reflecting its broad academic scope and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. The School of Business Administration was also one of the first in the country to establish a master’s-level program focused on international business, which continues to be a key area of focus.

USD's MBA program, in particular, is highly regarded for its integration of social and environmental issues. The MBA program has been ranked within the top 100 in the world by the Aspen Institute’s Beyond Grey Pinstripes ranking, which evaluates business schools for their commitment to teaching and integrating social responsibility into business education.

School of Law

USD’s School of Law is highly respected and has achieved recognition for its academic excellence and strong faculty. The law school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools. It ranks consistently among the top law schools in the country, with a particular reputation for its Tax Program, which was ranked 10th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2007. The law school is known for its rigorous curriculum, commitment to legal ethics, and emphasis on practical legal training.

In 2003-2004, USD Law was ranked 22nd in terms of scholarly impact by Leiter, a testament to the School’s leadership in legal research and thought. Furthermore, USD Law students have consistently reported high levels of satisfaction, with the school being placed among the top 25% of law schools in student satisfaction by surveys from The National Jurist and The Princeton Review.

School of Leadership and Education Sciences

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) offers programs focused on leadership, education, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and nonprofit management. SOLES is committed to developing leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact in a variety of professional fields. Programs in this school emphasize the importance of social justice, ethical leadership, and community engagement, aligning well with USD’s Catholic mission.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of USD, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. The College serves as the foundation for a well-rounded education, providing students with the opportunity to explore diverse academic fields while also engaging in interdisciplinary studies. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a global perspective, the College prepares students to be leaders and active citizens in an increasingly complex world.

University Accreditation

USD is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that USD meets high standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness, providing students with a robust and credible educational experience. Furthermore, individual programs at USD, including those in business, law, and nursing, hold specialized accreditations that affirm their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in their respective fields.

Rankings and Recognition

USD’s academic excellence is consistently recognized by a variety of prestigious rankings, reinforcing its position as a top-tier institution of higher learning. These rankings reflect the university's dedication to providing a rigorous, well-rounded education that emphasizes leadership, ethics, and social responsibility.

1) Tier 1 and 110th among National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2010): USD is ranked in the top tier of national universities, affirming its status as one of the leading higher education institutions in the United States.

2) 61st in Law School Rankings (U.S. News & World Report 2010): USD Law is ranked among the top law schools in the country, underscoring its strong academic program and commitment to producing skilled legal professionals.

3) 29th in BusinessWeek's Top 50 Undergraduate Business Programs (2009): The USD School of Business Administration earned a spot on BusinessWeek’s prestigious list, climbing 18 places from the previous year. The School is also highly rated for corporate recruiter satisfaction, demonstrating the strong reputation of its graduates.

4) 6th Most Beautiful Campus (The Princeton Review 2009): USD’s stunning campus, with its picturesque views and Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country.

5) 82nd in Graduate School Rankings in Law (U.S. News & World Report 2009): USD Law is ranked 82nd in the graduate school rankings, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing a top-quality legal education.

6) 100th in Graduate Schools of Education (U.S. News & World Report 2009): The School of Leadership and Education Sciences’ graduate programs in education have earned a national ranking, reflecting USD’s leadership in preparing educators and leaders in various fields.

7) Top 100 MBA Programs for Social and Environmental Issues Integration (Aspen Institute’s Beyond Grey Pinstripes): USD’s MBA program has been recognized for its efforts to integrate social and environmental issues into its curriculum, furthering its commitment to producing business leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility.

8) Top 25% in Student Satisfaction in Law Schools (The National Jurist, The Princeton Review): USD Law consistently receives high marks for student satisfaction, highlighting the supportive and engaging environment provided by the School.

9) Top 10 in the Nation for Tax Program (U.S. News & World Report 2007): USD Law’s Tax Program is recognized as one of the best in the country, underscoring the School's expertise in the area of tax law.

10) Ranked Among the Top 50 Best Law Schools (Thomas E. Brennan: Judging the Law Schools 2007): USD Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States, reflecting its strength in legal education and research.

Conclusion

The University of San Diego is a distinguished institution that offers a broad range of academic programs across its six schools, each designed to prepare students for leadership roles in their respective fields. With a commitment to social responsibility, ethical leadership, and academic excellence, USD provides an education that is both intellectually rigorous and grounded in values. The university’s impressive rankings, beautiful campus, and diverse academic offerings make it an ideal choice for students seeking a transformative and socially conscious educational experience. Whether pursuing a degree in business, law, nursing, or any other field, students at USD are equipped with the tools they need to make a positive impact in the world.