Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
62%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1190–1390
Undergrad enrollment
5,287
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$41,431
In-state tuition
$60,492
Out-of-state tuition
$60,492
Avg GPA
3.61
Net Price
$42,953
Test Policy
Test-optional
Acceptance Rate
61.7%
First-Gen Students
40.9%
Early Career Earnings
$36,427
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
6-Year Graduation Rate
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco's acceptance rate is approximately 62% (San Francisco, CA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of San Francisco?
Admitted students at University of San Francisco typically score 1190–1390 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of San Francisco cost?
At University of San Francisco, the average net price (after aid) is about $41,431 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco enrolls approximately 5,287 undergraduate students.
Where is University of San Francisco located?
University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA.
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a Jesuit institution that thrives on its urban energy, social justice ethos, and enviable location in one of the world's most dynamic cities. With a 62% acceptance rate and a student body that's 40.9% first-generation, USF blends accessibility with strong outcomes—95% of 2023 grads were employed or in grad school. Its tight-knit classes (11:1 student-faculty ratio) and prime Silicon Valley adjacency make it a launchpad for mission-driven careers.
Admissions
USF's admissions process is moderately selective, with a 61.7% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and an early acceptance rate of 77.8%. The middle 50% SAT range is 1200–1380, while ACT scores fall between 25–30. Notably, USF is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight.—applicants aren't required to submit SAT/ACT scores. The average GPA of admitted first-years is 3.61, and 40.9% are First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. college students. The university draws from 45 U.S. states, creating a geographically diverse cohort.
USF offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across its five schools, with particularly strong offerings in nursing, business, and computer science. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio supports small class sizes—42.7% have fewer than 20 students. The Jesuit emphasis on social justice permeates the curriculum, with experiential learning opportunities amplified by the university's urban setting. USF ranks in the top 15% for social mobility and top 6% for lifetime earnings among graduates.
Life at USF mirrors the eclectic energy of San Francisco itself. Students describe the culture as 'very mixed'—a blend of 'nerds, bros, stoners, musicians and jocks' who coalesce around shared interests. The urban campus lacks Greek life but compensates with 100+ clubs and easy access to the city's internships, cultural institutions, and outdoor spaces. Housing guarantees for first-years foster community, though many upperclassmen migrate to SF's vibrant neighborhoods. The TikTok generation showcases USF's quintessential draw: 'It's not just about obtaining a degree' but living in a global hub.
USF delivers strong ROI: 95% of 2023 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months. The median annual income for alumni 10 years out is 51% higher than the national average for four-year colleges. First-year retention rates hover around 80%, with a six-year graduation rate of 76%—well above the national average. Early career median earnings are $36,427, though this climbs sharply with experience (MBA grads average $76,170). The university's Bay Area location and alumni network provide pipelines to tech, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
With a sticker price of $58,222 for tuition alone, USF is expensive—but 98% of incoming undergrads receive financial aid, with average packages of $41,708 bringing the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $42,953. The university meets 85% of demonstrated need on average. Graduate programs offer assistantships and scholarships, though costs vary by program. The Net Price Calculator helps families estimate true costs after grants and scholarships.
USF's magic lies in its contradictions: a Jesuit institution that thrives on progressive San Francisco values, a small-college feel in a global city, and rigorous academics paired with real-world hustle. Its #1 ranking for campus diversity among national universities reflects an inclusive community where 40.9% of first-years are First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context.. The curriculum leans into the city's assets—tech internships, public health partnerships, and social entrepreneurship—while maintaining the liberal arts core. For students who want to 'change the world from here,' USF offers both the idealism and the urban toolkit to make it happen.
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