About University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco builds its reputation on Jesuit values of social justice and service to others. This Catholic research university enrolls 5,697 students in the heart of one of America's most expensive cities. The school attracts students who want to make a difference in the world, following in the footsteps of alumni like NBA legend Bill Russell and eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Business programs draw particular attention, though the university emphasizes ethical leadership across all disciplines. The 71% acceptance rate makes USF accessible to students with solid academic records, with average SAT scores around 1310.
Students face steep sticker prices at $58,222 for tuition, but the average net price drops to $39,495 after aid. Graduates typically earn $89,812 within ten years of leaving school, making the investment worthwhile for most. The median debt load of $23,000 keeps monthly loan payments manageable at $244. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to economic diversity.
Women make up 65% of the student body, and no single racial group dominates the campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. The 80% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for on this urban campus.
Students face steep sticker prices at $58,222 for tuition, but the average net price drops to $39,495 after aid. Graduates typically earn $89,812 within ten years of leaving school, making the investment worthwhile for most. The median debt load of $23,000 keeps monthly loan payments manageable at $244. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to economic diversity.
Women make up 65% of the student body, and no single racial group dominates the campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. The 80% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for on this urban campus.
Academics & Faculty
USF operates as a mid-sized Catholic research university with strong ties to Silicon Valley's business community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, particularly valuable in the highly regarded School of Management, which leverages San Francisco's status as a tech and finance center. The university's Jesuit foundation emphasizes social justice across all disciplines, from nursing to international studies. With a 73% four-year graduation rate, students receive solid academic support while navigating rigorous coursework. Computer science and entrepreneurship programs benefit from proximity to tech giants and startups. The school's commitment to service learning means students tackle real-world problems while earning their degrees, preparing them for careers where they can make meaningful social impact.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.1%
- Retention Rate
- 80.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,812
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $175,674 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $140,922 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $100,292 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $97,959 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,866 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $91,744 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Doctoral | $84,653 |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $79,450 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $79,284 |
Campus Life
The University of San Francisco sits on a 55-acre hilltop campus overlooking downtown San Francisco. With housing for only 2,715 students and total enrollment of 5,697, about half the student body lives on campus. San Francisco's Mediterranean climate means you'll rarely need heavy winter coats, though the city's famous fog rolls in regularly during summer months.
The Jesuit tradition shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives that connect classroom theory to real-world impact. Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The diverse student population includes 26% Asian students and 22% Hispanic students, reflecting the Bay Area's multicultural character. Weekend activities often involve exploring San Francisco's neighborhoods, from the Mission District's murals to Golden Gate Park's trails. The small 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Basketball games at War Memorial Gymnasium draw passionate crowds, especially when the Dons face West Coast Conference rivals. Many students volunteer in the city's nonprofit sector, living out the university's commitment to serving urban communities.
The Jesuit tradition shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives that connect classroom theory to real-world impact. Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The diverse student population includes 26% Asian students and 22% Hispanic students, reflecting the Bay Area's multicultural character. Weekend activities often involve exploring San Francisco's neighborhoods, from the Mission District's murals to Golden Gate Park's trails. The small 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Basketball games at War Memorial Gymnasium draw passionate crowds, especially when the Dons face West Coast Conference rivals. Many students volunteer in the city's nonprofit sector, living out the university's commitment to serving urban communities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,715 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1855
Campus Safety (2023)
86 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Rape | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–57°F
- July Avg
- 54°–66°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting USF's strong nursing and education programs alongside its social justice mission. The campus draws heavily from California with 58% in-state enrollment, showing deep Bay Area roots. One in four students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the Jesuit commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds. Asian students represent the largest ethnic group at 26%, followed by white students at 23% and Hispanic students at 22%. This diversity mirrors San Francisco itself and aligns with the university's emphasis on global perspectives and social responsibility.
- Men
- 34.9%
- Women
- 65.1%
- White
- 23.1%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 21.5%
- Asian
- 26.2%
- In-State Students
- 58.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.2%
Location
The University of San Francisco sits in the heart of San Francisco, California, one of America's most expensive and culturally rich cities. The campus is located just miles from downtown San Francisco's financial district and tech center. Students live in a major metropolitan area known for its steep hills, fog-covered mornings, and proximity to Silicon Valley. The 55-acre campus provides an urban oasis while keeping students connected to internships and career opportunities in technology, finance, and social innovation. San Francisco's median home price exceeds $1.3 million, making the university's location both strong and costly. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of San Francisco with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Francisco, California 94117-1080
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,812
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $87,516
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $58,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco accepts 71.18% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1310. The Jesuit institution draws from a competitive pool while maintaining its commitment to educating diverse students who embrace social justice values.
How much does University of San Francisco cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $39,495 despite the $58,222 sticker price tuition. The university provides institutional grants averaging $30,916 to nearly a quarter of students, making this urban Catholic education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of San Francisco?
USF maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,697 enrolled students. This intimate learning environment supports the Jesuit tradition of personalized education and mentorship in the heart of San Francisco.
What do University of San Francisco graduates earn after graduation?
USF alumni earn a median salary of $89,812 ten years after graduation with a strong 94.6% employment rate. The university's location in San Francisco's tech and business center, combined with its respected programs, opens doors to lucrative career opportunities.
Where do students live at University of San Francisco?
The campus houses 2,715 students in residence halls overlooking the city, though total enrollment reaches 5,697. This urban setting puts students minutes from internships, cultural attractions, and the diverse neighborhoods that define San Francisco.
Does University of San Francisco have a diverse student body?
USF enrolls 26.17% Asian students, 21.50% Hispanic students, and 23.05% white students, creating one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the nation. Women comprise 65.07% of the student population, reflecting the university's inclusive Jesuit mission.
