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 gives you a solid financial return, but the sticker price makes your major choice the deciding factor. Median earnings ten years out sit near $90,000 against a net price around $39,500, and median debt of $23,000 stays below what most graduates earn in a single year. That balance works because a manageable debt load meets strong regional pay in the Bay Area.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays over $100,000 a decade out, the highest of any bachelor's program listed, and even with the heaviest program debt at about $25,300, you clear that gap fast. Computer science follows at roughly $73,000, and it carries the lowest debt of the top programs. Accounting and finance both land in the low-to-mid $60,000s, respectable for the debt attached. Architecture is the weakest of the five: it pays the least, around $55,000, while carrying the highest debt at $27,000, so the math is tightest if you go that route.
The main risk is the price itself. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay close to $48,600 a year, and only a high-earning major justifies four years of that. Lower-income families pay less, but the drop is modest: under $30,000 in income still means about $31,700 a year, and the tiers barely separate until you cross $75,000. A 71% graduation rate and 80% retention mean roughly one in five of you leaves without finishing, and leaving with debt and no degree is the worst outcome.
This school fits you if you're headed into nursing or computer science and can absorb the cost. If you're drawn to architecture or unsure of your major, price a cheaper option first, since the full net price only pays off with a high-earning field.
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.