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University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #109 US News

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
A-Academics
BAdmissions
A-Student Life
B+Overall

About

University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, California. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 5,697 students.

usfca.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$58,222
Out-of-state tuition$58,222
Room & board$17,300
Avg aid package$41,708
Students receiving aid27%
Pell grant recipients27%

The University of San Francisco's undergraduate tuition for 2025-2026 is $61,870, with the total cost including fees, housing, and dining estimated at $90,190. However, 97% of incoming students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $48,664. USF also provides a net price calculator to help students estimate their individual costs.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1210–1390
4001600
ACT · middle 50%26–31
136

Application info

Acceptance rate51%
Average GPA3.62
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$70

USF's undergraduate admissions are considered more selective, with an acceptance rate of 50.1% in 2025. The average high school GPA for enrolled students is 3.61. The university looks for students with excellent academic records, extracurricular involvement, creativity, leadership skills, and an understanding of the Honors College mission.

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Academics

Graduation rate73%
Retention rate80%
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Full-time faculty40%

USF offers small classes with professors who are experts in their fields and dedicated to student success. The university emphasizes a caring and supportive learning environment where professors know their students' names and are committed to their intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth. Students study with professors, not graduate students, in an environment that fosters close relationships and mentorship.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$89,812
Avg starting salary$73,940
Job placement rate95%
Internship rate79%
Earn more than HS grad82%
Economic mobility271%
Loan default (3 yr)2%
Loan repayment (3 yr)73%

USF emphasizes skills that lead to employment, such as critical thinking, clear communication, effective collaboration, and problem-solving. The university highlights graduates landing full-time jobs before graduation, showcasing the practical application of their education. With its location near Silicon Valley, USF emphasizes a global outlook and entrepreneurial ethos, preparing students for diverse career paths.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
5,697Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 65%Male 35%
26% AsianRacial diversity
Asian 26%White 23%Hispanic 22%Black 8%Other 22%
Campus housingYes

The University of San Francisco is known for its diverse campus, ranked No. 1 nationally, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. With over 100 clubs and organizations, students have ample opportunities to engage in cultural, hobby-based, and sports-related activities. Located in the heart of San Francisco, students have access to the city's rich cultural scene, internships, and job opportunities.

Student reviews

Professors

College sophomore

Hardest Major to Get Into – Nursing is the toughest major to get in to as well as the major with the highest GPA. They only take 100 students to be admitted to the nursing program each semester. The most important criteria for admission is a high GPA , extracurricular activites, volunteerting, and a good essay. The application is as simple as checking the Nursing box on the application if you apply to the program from high school.

Campus and vibes

Freshman

Overall, I have had many good experiences at USF with the different professors and faculty here. Many of the professors are always willing to help us and always want us to succeed in the future. There's a lot of clubs and orgs that students can join, and by joining a few my freshman year, I was able to meet friends that still hangout with to this day. However, I feel like if you don

Freshman

My experience at University of San Francisco, has been overall interesting. I still have yet to experience more as I am a sophomore, but my freshman I had experienced beyond my expectations. What I like so far about usf are the amount of clubs and organizations you can join. Their clubs are not only fun but very educational too. You get to discover new interests as well as learn new and progress in existing skills that you may have. One thing I would change, are the amount of scheduled openings for a specific class. Sometimes there are only one or a few open time slots for a class which can make it difficult for a student to add to their schedule.

Cost and value

College sophomore

I did not receive a full package since I am a transfer student who got accepted during the summer. They have rolling admission, but it's better to apply before the set deadlines in order to receive a full package. The financial aid advisers are very helpful and nice, but it is on you to stay informed and on top of things as well as understand tuition and finances.

About University of San Francisco

While one source gives USF a "C-" grade for safety, residence halls are secured with 24-hour desk staff. The university implements security measures to ensure a safe environment for students. Community programs and activities are planned by resident advisors, resident ministers, the Residence Hall Council, and the Residence Hall Association.

The Honors College at USF offers a scholarly community built on collaborative inquiry and grounded in the Jesuit educational mission of social justice and global perspective. It provides extra rigor, more course options, and more extracurricular opportunities. Honors College classes are small seminars with ample opportunity to interact with faculty and engage with a wide variety of assignments and course projects.

USF has a significant international student population, with students representing over 75 countries. The university offers special services for international applicants, including ESL programs, an international student center, and special counselors/advisors. International students have access to various student groups like the International Student Association and an International Network Program.

Endowment$509,622,000
Avg faculty salary$168,348

University of San Francisco FAQ

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University of San Francisco admits about 51% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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