University of San Diego (USD)

The University of San Diego is a private Catholic institution that prides itself on its status as a "Changemaker," which represents its dedication to creating sustainable solutions locally and afar. In fact, 50 percent of students find great opportunities through the school's vast study abroad network, which includes programs and internships in 44 countries. "USD encourages its students to apply what they learn in the world to make positive, impactful, sustainable change," says one. Strong curricula and academic advising help students construct four-year plans and create enjoyable schedules, and "projects, seminars, field trips, study abroad programs, and team-taught courses are some of the ways the university gets students engaged." "My class took a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border and talked to border patrol agents, and then we went to an immigrant safe house facility to talk to people who help immigrants with their visa/citizenship status," says one student.

Professors "are eager to share" their passion for their subject with students and offer "personalized one-on-one learning through office hours." They "communicate directly with the students on what material they find to be important." Most "adapt to the new research that has come out on how students learn best" and "bring in speakers to show how [students] can implement Changemaking into...future classrooms." That also extends into "many informative meetings about research opportunities and internships." Speaking of which, the "Career Center [is] very helpful with landing students jobs."

This is "truly...a campus of Changemakers" and "people passionate about causes [where] everyone is hard working yet still socially engaged." USD "does a great job of making sure that students feel like they have a home," and the school has worked to make common areas where students feel comfortable and seen. Because of the "sunny, more relaxed environment" students enjoy on this California campus, they lean "toward casual" in their attire-"balanced and stylish," as one student describes. Many here come from a "strong religious background and greatly utilize the ministry services on campus," and everyone is "welcoming and enjoyable to be around."

The "weather is so perfect and the campus so beautiful [that] most students spend time outside" at USD, which is "ten minutes away from both the beach and city." Here it's easy for students to take their pick of a litany of activities-they can "lay out on the lawn, take in the sun, skateboard, surf, [or] go out in the town or beach." "San Diego [is] such a large city that there is so much to do and see," and weekends tend to be devoted to exploring; however, there are plenty of social activities and clubs to join on campus. The "Torero Program Board makes sure there is always something for the students to do." One student comments on the "very accepting Greek life system," citing their motto: "These hands don't haze." Of all first-year students, 95 percent live on campus, and all first years (and transfers) participate in a Living Learning Community, which "puts people from the same general living area in a class together focused on a general theme" such as innovation or advocacy. USD is a place where students "can thrive because [their] physical and mental wellness is cared for alongside [their] education."