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University of San Diego - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.08

Diversity

B-
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 2%
Asian American 10%
Hispanic 14%
International 4%
Native American 1%
White 63%
Unknown 6%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 48%
Common States of Residence
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Washington
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 2%
18-19: 33%
20-21: 33%
22-24: 16%
25+: 16%
Female Faculty 45%
Male Faculty 55%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 8%
Hispanic: 7%
International: 4%
Native American: 0%
White: 78%
Unknown: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

One of the first things you may notice at USD is the lack of ethnic diversity. Sun-kissed, upper-middle-class, white students seem to be everywhere, while African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and students of other ethnicities are poorly represented. However, even though wealthy Caucasians seem to rule the school, all students are very accepting. Hate crimes are rare, and USD tries to make all students feel welcome, regardless of their economic status, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

USD students are often characterized as looking like they just walked off a set from a TV show like “The O.C.” or “90210” with their luxurious cars, fashionable clothes, and never-ending money supply. Although this is true for a few students, most don't flaunt their money. The admissions office is trying to make the student population more diverse, and each freshman class shows this. In the student body as a whole, there is a huge percentage of girls compared to guys, but recent freshman classes have had more equal male-to-female ratios. The process is slow, but USD is gradually becoming more and more open minded.

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San Diego Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at University of San Diego

whoduh

'15

International Relations and National Security Studies

3.8
B+

Not Stating the Obvious

We've ALL heard it, that there's way more white students here than any other race. I'm barely in my second semester, and notice it less and less each day. I'm not denying I didn't worry about it and fear how it'd be for a minority, but for the most part, people here are really kind and here to get a degree and enjoy life. If you let the thoughts of race constantly run through your mind...well yeah it's going to bother you. It's also really clear to see the school is trying their hardest to bring diversity. I know it used to be way worse 4-5 years ago. Regardless, if you're yourself and pick your friends wisely, and of course CONFIDENCE IS KEY, everything's fine.

Feb 02, 2012

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Diversity at University of San Diego

spencemon92

'15

Business

3.5
B

Diversity

Campus is much more diverse than it has been in previous years, but no where near where we as a university are striving towards.

Jan 31, 2012

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Diversity at University of San Diego

Spartasaurus

'12

Anthropology and Archaeology

2.7
C+

Lacks Economic Diversity

USD claims to nurture diversity amongst all peoples, and it's true to a degree — those of all faiths and backgrounds are encouraged to attend USD. However, unless they are on a LOT of outside scholarship or financial aid, then most students are of the same fiscal status. We don't call it the University of Spoiled Daughters for nothing ;). That's not to say that there aren't a wide range of people. I have met so many individuals from different walks of life, different religions and countries of origin, and I have developed greatly by getting to know their backgrounds.

Additionally, I wish they would offer more scholarships based on merit and economic means instead of ethnic identity (because I don't find color to be the deserving factor for a scholarship).

Jan 19, 2012

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Page 1 of 11

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

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.

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 have a relatively small numbers of students. Protests and the like are almost unheard of on campus.

Economic Status

Most students are wealthy.

Most Common Religions

This is a Catholic school, so there are some very large Catholic and Christian organizations. The Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has a large presence.

Minority Clubs on Campus

Although it is a small campus and nearly three-quarters 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.

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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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at USD

Name: Jessica Ford

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Major: Business

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