At $39,495/yr net price, University of San Francisco graduates earn $89,812/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $55,812/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,495 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $157,980 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,812/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,812/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,741/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,759/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,211/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,319/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,576/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $175,674 | $95,800 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $140,922 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $122,038 | $96,735 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $100,292 | $25,286 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,866 | $48,713 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $91,744 | $41,000 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $79,450 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $79,284 | $48,010 |
The Risk Factor
71.1% of students at University of San Francisco graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of San Francisco delivers solid ROI with median earnings of nearly $90,000 ten years after graduation, though your returns depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing programs dominate the earnings list, with top graduates earning $175,000 annually, making USF's nursing school one of the strongest financial bets in higher education. Computer science also pays off well at $140,000, capitalizing on San Francisco's tech boom.
The debt picture varies dramatically by program. While nursing graduates earn excellent salaries, some programs saddle you with $95,000+ in debt. Your typical graduate leaves with $23,000 in debt, which is manageable given the earning potential. The 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students don't finish, creating financial risk without the degree premium.
USF works financially if you target high-earning majors and can handle the Bay Area's extreme cost of living during school. The location gives you direct access to tech companies and major hospitals for internships and jobs. However, if you're considering liberal arts or lower-earning majors, the high net price of $39,000 annually makes this a risky investment.
Financial aid reaches only 27% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Your best strategy involves targeting merit scholarships and choosing programs with clear career paths. The nursing and computer science programs justify the cost, but weaker programs leave you paying premium prices for average outcomes in an expensive city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of San Francisco worth the cost?
University of San Francisco's $39,495 net price leads to median earnings of $89,812 after 10 years, which is reasonable but not exceptional for the San Francisco job market. The school's value depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and computer science graduates earning significantly more than average.
What are the best paying majors at University of San Francisco?
Nursing programs at University of San Francisco produce the highest returns, with some graduates earning $175,674 annually. Computer science majors also perform well at $140,922, while other programs often fall below the school's overall average of $89,812.
How much debt do University of San Francisco students graduate with?
University of San Francisco graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. This relatively low debt burden helps improve the school's overall value proposition despite the high cost of living in San Francisco.
Does University of San Francisco have good job placement rates?
With a 71% graduation rate and median earnings of nearly $90,000, University of San Francisco provides decent career outcomes. However, these numbers are not outstanding given San Francisco's high salary market and the school's location advantages.