University of San Francisco
University of San Francisco — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of San Francisco at a Glance
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university in San Francisco, California, United States. Founded in 1855, it has nearly 9,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in 59 major programs. In addition to its main campus in the Golden Gate area, it has satellite campuses in downtown San Francisco, Orange County, Sacramento, San Jose, and Santa Rosa.
1855
171 years old
$566M
$566 million (2024)
8,913
5,287 undergrad · 3,504 grad
1,107
55 acres
Identity
Is University of San Francisco Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, University of San Francisco is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $89,812 — 67% above average — while paying $41,431/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of San Francisco has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of San Francisco compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #12 of 19 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 83 | $18,425 | $82,592 |
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #3 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #4 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 54 | $43,071 | $103,470 |
| #5 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #6 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #12 | University of San Francisco | 38 | $41,431 | $89,812 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of San Francisco's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in CA.
Best Programs at University of San Francisco
The highest-earning program at University of San Francisco is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $86,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at $30,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of San Francisco earns $86,700, while a Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduate earns $30,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,431/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $86,700 | $86,700 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,100 | $63,100 | $23,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $55,000 | $55,000 | $23,625 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,800 | $54,800 | $24,887 |
| Architecture | $51,200 | $51,200 | $26,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $46,300 | $46,300 | N/A |
| Marketing | $43,200 | $43,200 | $23,250 |
| International Business | $40,900 | $40,900 | $25,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $39,300 | $39,300 | $20,250 |
| Political Science and Government | $37,100 | $37,100 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $37,000 | $37,000 | $25,125 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $36,800 | $36,800 | $15,750 |
| Psychology, General | $35,600 | $35,600 | $23,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,700 | $32,700 | $23,250 |
| Biology, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | $26,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $31,000 | $31,000 | $21,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $30,800 | $30,800 | $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $30,400 | $30,400 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Student Body
- 5,287 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,431
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,812
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000