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University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private · 5,287 students

Discover life in the center of San Francisco, surrounded by opportunity.

Acceptance rate

61.7%

SAT (mid 50%)

1190–1390

Avg net price

$41,431

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and University of San Francisco’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. University of San Francisco admitted 61.7% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 11901390 on the SAT and 2530 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of San Francisco actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Majors That Matter

Come learn in small classes with professors who know their stuff and know your name. They care about all of you, mind, body, and spirit. They see you, hear you, challenge you, help you.

The university offers undergraduate, graduate, accelerated, dual degree, and professional certificate programs, emphasizing small classes taught by professors.

  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science i150+ paths to success
  • Master's, Doctoral, Professional70+ full-time, part-time, or executive programs
  • Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's ProgramsCombine undergraduate and graduate studies

Verified from usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu and usfca.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.usfca.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • What will be your responsibility to others as a Jesuit-educated, BSN professional registered nurse?

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.usfca.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $80,141, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $41,431.

The Office of Financial Aid uses the estimated cost of attendance to determine eligibility for financial aid, including grants and loans, ensuring total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $89,812.

Verified from https://www.usfca.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Meet, mix, and exchange ideas with students from around the globe, then find food, fun, and friends in the city.

Explore the beautiful 55-acre campus, with San Francisco's energy, ideas, and diversity at your fingertips.

UrbanDiverseEntrepreneurial

Quick answers

University of San Francisco FAQ

Is University of San Francisco test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at University of San Francisco is optional.
How hard is it to get into University of San Francisco?
Very hard. University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1190 to 1390 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does University of San Francisco cost?
The list price is about $80,141, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $41,431.
Is University of San Francisco worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $89,812 ten years after enrolling, and 71% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about University of San Francisco.

Spike answers from University of San Francisco’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.