University of San Diego vs University of Redlands

Envision yourself pursuing higher education in either the vibrant city of San Diego or the charming town of Redlands. University of San Diego (USD) and University of Redlands (UR) offer distinct experiences for students seeking academic excellence. USD boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students to embark on their educational journey. UR, on the other hand, takes pride in its smaller class sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, from business and engineering to the arts and sciences. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details about acceptance rates, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
University of Redlands logo

University of Redlands

University of San Diego logo

University of San Diego

Overview

Location Redlands, California San Diego, California
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 4-1-4
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 81.0% 92.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 83.0% 52.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $45
SAT range 1110 - 1280 N/A
ACT range 26 - 31 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 4.0%
Students submitting ACT score 1.0%
Total number of applicants 3,746 14,326
Total number of admissions given out 3,108 7,550
Admitted students who chose to enroll 508 1,166
Yield rate 16.3% 15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $73,732 $75,982
Average net price $21,578 $34,155
Tuition $53,716 $52,120
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,486

Meal plan: $4,076
$16,246
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $41,240
82.0%
Average amount $34,413
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $7,891
33.0%
Average amount $5,216
Students taking out private loans 21.0%
Average amount $4,404
5.0%
Average amount $12,155

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,644
Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
5,702
Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
Graduate students 1,415
Men 35.7% Women 64.3%
3,339
Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A 45.5%
International students 1.8% 6.2%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,672 2,484
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A California Washington Colorado Arizona Nevada

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Health Professions
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 69.4% 80.0%
Dropout rate 29.6% 19.5%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $87,604
  • Year 3: $83,065
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,763
  • Year 2: $79,037
  • Year 3: $79,897
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,327
  • Year 2: $73,562
  • Year 3: $76,277
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,278
  • Year 2: $70,009
  • Year 3: $75,742
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,777
  • Year 2: $64,328
  • Year 3: $75,724
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,126
  • Year 2: $53,244
  • Year 3: $63,383
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,683
  • Year 2: $53,497
  • Year 3: $62,920
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,253
  • Year 2: $56,302
  • Year 3: $62,006
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $22,914
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $47,944
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,863
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $45,923
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $114,672
  • Year 2: $117,572
  • Year 3: $115,744
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,123
  • Year 2: $89,672
  • Year 3: $102,690
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,786
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $98,598
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,329
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $93,985
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,367
  • Year 2: $73,391
  • Year 3: $92,346
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,417
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $84,924
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,970
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $84,277
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,809
  • Year 2: $61,962
  • Year 3: $75,083
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,424
  • Year 2: $67,324
  • Year 3: $72,729
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,434
  • Year 2: $61,069
  • Year 3: $72,310

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of San Diego (USD) and the University of Redlands?

    The University of San Diego (USD) is a private, Catholic university known for its strong business, law, and international relations programs. It's located in a more urban setting overlooking Mission Bay. The University of Redlands, also private, is known for its Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, a unique program allowing students to design their own major. Redlands has a more traditional, residential campus feel and emphasizes liberal arts education.

  • Which university is larger, USD or Redlands?

    USD is significantly larger than the University of Redlands. USD has a larger undergraduate and graduate student population, offering a wider range of programs and resources due to its size.

  • How do the academic programs at USD and Redlands compare?

    USD offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional schools like law and business. Redlands focuses more on undergraduate liberal arts education, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and personalized learning experiences, particularly through the Johnston Center.

  • What is the campus environment like at each university?

    USD's campus is known for its beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture and its location overlooking Mission Bay, offering stunning views and a more urban feel. Redlands has a more traditional, residential college campus with a classic Southern California atmosphere, featuring orange groves and a close-knit community.

  • How do the costs of attending USD and Redlands compare?

    Both USD and the University of Redlands are private institutions, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like financial aid, scholarships, and living expenses. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available financial aid options.

  • What are the acceptance rates for USD and Redlands?

    USD generally has a more selective acceptance rate than the University of Redlands. This means that USD may be more competitive to get into. Check the latest admission statistics on each university's website for the most current information.

  • Which university is better for students interested in business or law?

    USD is generally considered stronger in business and law due to its dedicated schools and programs in these areas. While Redlands offers business-related courses, USD provides more specialized and comprehensive opportunities in these fields.

  • Which university is better for students interested in a personalized, interdisciplinary education?

    The University of Redlands, particularly through its Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, is exceptionally well-suited for students seeking a highly personalized and interdisciplinary education. Students can design their own major and tailor their learning experience to their specific interests.

  • What are the athletic programs like at USD and Redlands?

    USD competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a wider range of sports and a more competitive athletic environment. The University of Redlands competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. While both offer a variety of sports, the level of competition and resources differ.

  • What kind of student typically thrives at USD versus Redlands?

    A student who thrives at USD is often ambitious, career-focused, and enjoys a vibrant urban environment with access to a wide range of resources. A student who thrives at Redlands is typically independent, intellectually curious, and values a close-knit community and a personalized learning experience.

  • Do USD and Redlands have religious affiliations?

    USD is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. While its Catholic identity is present, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. The University of Redlands has historic ties to the American Baptist Churches USA, but it is now non-sectarian and welcomes students of all beliefs.

  • What are the career services like at USD and Redlands?

    Both USD and Redlands offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. USD, being a larger university, may have a broader network of alumni and employer connections, particularly in the San Diego area. Redlands, with its personalized approach, may offer more individualized career counseling and support.

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