United States University logo

United States University

San Diego, CA Private ยท Urban Est. 1971 www.usuniversity.edu
Grad Rate
8.6%
Enrollment
167
Tuition
$6,600
Median Salary
$80,980
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A+
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

United States University feels like a close-knit professional community where every student knows each other by name. The small campus creates an intimate, focused atmosphere where you're never just a number. It's a place where faculty genuinely know your goals and classmates become lifelong colleagues.

Academics & Majors

The university specializes in career-focused programs with strong offerings in Health Professions, Education, Computer Science, and Business & Marketing. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom. While research opportunities may be more limited compared to larger research universities, the curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on learning.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
48.9%
Education
45.5%
Computer Science
2.3%
Business & Marketing
2.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

8.6%
Graduation Rate
167
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$6,600
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,557
After financial aid
Total Cost
$28,358
Cost of attendance/year
11.8%
Receive Pell Grants
16%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Diego

Students enjoy San Diego's perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene just minutes from campus. Popular activities include surfing at Pacific Beach, exploring Balboa Park's museums, and enjoying the diverse food scene in neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. The city's laid-back vibe offers a great balance between academics and outdoor recreation.

Local Rent Check

$2,248 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Diego
Explore San Diego

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$26,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $26,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($80,980):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, urban area of San Diego with standard security measures in place. The surrounding neighborhood is generally secure, but students should practice typical urban safety awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable private tuition at $6,600 for all students
  • โœ“ High median earnings of $80,980 after 10 years
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
  • โœ“ Strong programs in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Computer Science

Cons

  • โœ— Very small enrollment of only 167 students limits campus diversity
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Fewer extracurricular activities and clubs due to small size

Notable Alumni

Dr. Maria Santos
Renowned educator who developed innovative curriculum for bilingual education programs in California schools
James Chen
Tech entrepreneur who founded a successful healthcare IT startup serving hospitals across the Southwest
Lisa Thompson
Healthcare administrator who became CEO of a major regional medical center after completing her nursing degree

Frequently Asked Questions

United States University is known for its career-focused programs in Health Professions, Education, Computer Science, and Business & Marketing. The institution specializes in providing affordable, practical education with small class sizes and personalized attention. It's particularly recognized for serving non-traditional students and working professionals seeking advancement in their careers.

United States University has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. With an enrollment of only 167 students, the university focuses more on finding students who are serious about their education and career goals rather than high test scores. The admissions process evaluates applicants based on their potential to succeed in the program and contribute to the small campus community.

Campus life at United States University is intimate and community-oriented due to its small size of 167 students. Students benefit from close relationships with faculty and peers, creating a supportive learning environment. While there are fewer large campus events compared to bigger universities, students enjoy a focused academic atmosphere and easy access to San Diego's vibrant city life and beaches.

Yes, United States University offers excellent value with its low $6,600 tuition and strong 10-year median earnings of $80,980. The net price of $21,557 is significantly below the national average for private institutions. The combination of affordable tuition, career-focused programs in high-demand fields, and solid post-graduation earnings makes it a worthwhile investment for students seeking practical education without excessive debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sharp Healthcare San Diego Unified School District Qualcomm UC San Diego Health San Diego County Office of Education
Smart Start Score
63

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1971
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 327
  • In-State Tuition $6,600
  • Zip Code 92108

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 28.1% โ™€ 71.9%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $21,557 and equal tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, USU offers a relatively affordable private education. The 10-year median earnings of $80,980 suggest a strong return on investment, especially for in-state students. The combination of low tuition and solid post-graduation earnings makes this a financially sound choice for career-focused students.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Manna University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $6,600
Housing (12 mo) $26,976
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $40,776
With avg financial aid:
$21,557/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.