This page compares University of California (Hastings) and University of San Diego across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 42 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 42 applicants admitted to both schools, 62% chose to attend University of California (Hastings). This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of San Diego is ranked #54 compared to #85 — a gap of 31 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Both schools are located in California — University of California (Hastings) in San Francisco and University of San Diego in San Diego — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, University of California (Hastings) has lower tuition at $53,087 per year compared to $66,950. Combined with employment rates of 94.9% (UCHastings) and 99.2% (USD), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing University of San Diego reported a higher median scholarship — $90,000 versus $75,000 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.