Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
USD simply does not have a diverse campus, and it’s one of the first things new students notice. Many students went to more diverse high schools. USD claims to be working hard on improving diversity, and there has been progress made. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to take an active part in campus politics, and their input is sought in recruiting more of their peers. USD does try very hard to make its students feel welcome, but some students do feel social pressure. USD is already a small place, so being different from an obvious majority can be hard on students, especially in the first semester when they are adjusting to a totally new lifestyle.
Most USD students are upper middle class and white. Campus often is compared to television shows like The OC and 90210 for its wealthy (and fashion conscious) majority. While the numbers are obviously skewed to a white majority, there is certainly not an air of exclusion on the USD campus. As the administration works to improve the numbers, students are continually encouraged to express themselves, and are almost universally accepted and supported by their peers. Pressure stemming from racial, religious, or sexual orientation is not oppressive, and students generally jump all over and squash perceived injustices. The parking lot is full of very expensive cars and the students are often clothed in the finest examples of the hottest trends. Wealth, and occasionally fashion sense, is more than likely the excluder rather than ethnicity or religious background.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
The campus is not that diverse, to...
The campus is not that diverse, to be quite honest. The admissions office is really trying to work on this area and has improved the situation over the past couple of years. |
Anonymous says: |
There is definitely a lack of...
There is definitely a lack of diversity, even though we live within a diverse environment in Linda Vista. |
Anonymous says: |
There are very few African...
There are very few African Americans. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s not very diverse. That’s one...
It’s not very diverse. That’s one of the University’s drawbacks. We don’t have very many minorities, but I think we have a few international students. I’m not too sure on that one, but, for the most part, there is very little diversity. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s not diverse at all. I feel...
It’s not diverse at all. I feel like I’m at Club Med. |
Facts
Gay Pride
There are a significant number of gay students at USD, and the student body as a whole is very laid-back and tolerant.
Minority Clubs
Although it is a small campus, and nearly 3/4 white, USD does have a very active base of minority clubs. The Asian Students Association is very active, as are clubs for Pacific Islanders, Chicanos, and Filipinos. There is an active Jewish Student Union, Black Student Union, a chapter of MECHA, and several other clubs and groups that emphasize cultural awareness.
Most Common Religions
This is a Catholic school, and there are some very large Catholic and Christian organizations. The Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has a large presence.
Political Activity
The University of San Diego is not the most politically-active campus you will ever be on. Students do take issues seriously and can occasional organize and motivate, but political action groups and events tend to be low-key and of relatively small numbers of students. Protests and the like are almost unheard of on campus.
Did You Know?
The Journal of Foreign Policy ranked UCSD 9th in the nation for international relations studies and 10th for international public policy studies in 2006.
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