The University of San Francisco — a private, Jesuit university — reflects the energy, diversity, and opportunities of the city that surrounds it. USF gives students from all backgrounds an education that is intensely personalized, intellectually inspiring, and designed expressly to help them change the world for the better.
The university enrolls 6,577 undergraduate and 4,059 graduate students, offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and boasts a network of more than 110,000 alumni worldwide. The school's campus, in the geographic center of the city, puts students in the middle of everything San Francisco has to offer.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admission
2130 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
Experience College Life
War Memorial Gym
Lo Schiavo Science Center
Gleeson Library
Lone Mountain Campus
Mission District shopping and dining
Baker Beach
Golden Gate Park
de Young Museum
Campus Tours
8:30am-5pm
415-422-6563
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
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Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
We're looking for students who are sincerely interested in pursuing a rigorous, meaningful education and who hope to make a positive difference in the world. We welcome students of all races, nationalities, and religious beliefs (or no religious belief) to apply. Eligibility is based on high school coursework and GPA, the application essay(s), an academic recommendation, and extracurricular involvement. We do not require standardized test scores for admission. If you choose to enroll, we'll need your test scores for advising and course placement.
If you've taken college coursework after your high school graduation, you must apply as a transfer student, regardless of the number of units/semesters you've taken.
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores. This requirement can be waived with sufficient SAT or ACT scores.
For more information on our application process, visit www.usfca.edu/apply
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — November 1
Regular — January 15
Other Admission Factors
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Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Whatever your interests, you'll find programs that will encourage you to step up, speak up, and challenge your assumptions.
- More than 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and interdisciplinary concentrations.
- A Core Curriculum that will push you to explore new passions and communicate your beliefs on complex questions in humanities, science, ethics, and the arts.
- A tight–knit and supportive learning community with an average class size of 23.
- The Honors College, which includes interdisciplinary forum courses and special lectures from scholars and artists in different fields.
- Dual–degree and credential programs for business, nursing, psychology, economics, teaching, and more.
- A new engineering program that develops engineers who are humane, responsive, and inclusive.
Our Living–Learning Communities offer an opportunity for deeper connected learning. Together with your peers, you can enroll in a common set of courses and live together in shared housing:
- Marshall Riley Living Learning Community: Explore the intellectual and political history of Black Americans and engage with the local Black community in the Bay Area.
- Erasmus Community: Explore ethics, service, and justice at local and global levels.
- Martin-Baro Scholars: Examine social justice issues in San Francisco through classroom assignments and a service–learning project.
- St. Ignatius Institute: A blend of rigorous academics and spiritual expression and growth, open for students of any (or no) religious affiliation.
- Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars: Analyze the 40-year culture of hip-hop to explore issues of diversity and inequality.
While our professors are accomplished scholars and researchers — 96% hold the highest degree in their academic disciplines—they're at USF because they put teaching first. You'll find them next to your desk, not behind a microphone. They're mentors as well as teachers, and they'll look for opportunities to put you to work helping them with research and pointing you toward internships.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Undergraduate students choose USF for a whole range of reasons: The small, rigorous classes (average size 23) taught by professors, not teaching assistants. The warm and vibrant campus community with students from 50 states and 98 countries. Our location in the heart of a city known for its optimism, energy, and opportunity. Or, our Jesuit values that encourage students to use their education to change the world for the better.
We have 43 majors and 70+ minors through the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, and School of Nursing and Health Professions. Students can pursue special certificates on top of their major or minor to boost their understanding in a particular area. There are also dual–degree programs in health, business, and science, as well as a teacher credential program for undergraduate students. In 2020, the top 10 most popular programs were:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Kinesiology
- Politics
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Architecture.
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Area Studies, Other.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Latin American Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Exercise Physiology.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.
Finance, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Advertising.
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.
Information Technology.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Comparative Literature.
French Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Health Services Administration.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Applied Economics.
Development Economics and International Development.
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
Economics, General.
Economics, Other.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
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THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.
Theology/Theological Studies.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Design and Visual Communications, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Degrees
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Estimated cost of attendance for 2020-21:
Undergraduate tuition: $51,930
Mandatory Fees: $552
Housing: $10,930
Standard Meal Plan: $5,060
Total estimated cost of attendance: $68,472
This estimate does not include books, supplies, transportation, or personal items.
Financial Aid
Almost 90% of the fall 2019 class received some form of financial aid, with an average aid package of nearly $36,000. The FAFSA is required to receive a financial aid package.
Domestic first-year students who want to receive full consideration for financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the January 15 priority deadline.
We encourage all students and families to estimate their net price – the amount students will pay after scholarships and grants. Our Net Price Calculator can be found online at https://www.usfca.edu/admission/financial-aid/net-price-calculator
Dates
Required Forms
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
In 2019, USF was ranked #3 in student ethnic diversity among all national universities (U.S. News and World Report). True to our Jesuit values, USF welcomes students from all backgrounds, which we believe leads to a stronger educational experience and richer ideas. The campus serves as a space for complex conversations and a meeting place for perspectives from all walks of life. While Catholic students make up approximately one fifth of the student body, the rest identify with other religious groups, or with no religion at all.
The fall 2019 incoming class was 33% first–generation students, 15% international, 33% Pell Grant recipients, and came from 46 states and 47 countries.
At USF, you'll always have things to do and communities to join:
- More than 100 clubs spanning academic honor clubs, student government, media, business, performance, politics, recreational, spiritual, service, and Greek organizations
- The Culturally Focused Clubs Council encourages collaboration among the 20+ cultural organizations
- 22 intramural and club sport teams and 17 Division I sports teams
- Muscat Scholars Program: An intensive academic program to support incoming, first–year, first–generation students in their transition to college life
- Magis Emerging Leaders Program: A year–long fellowship for first–year students to become socially responsible leaders
- Black Achievement Success and Engagement (BASE) initiative: Creating an academically challenging and personally supportive educational experience for Black–identified students, including a four–year Black Scholars Program, a Black Living–Learning Community, and a Black Resource Center
- The University Ministry supports the spiritual, religious, and pastoral needs of students from all religious backgrounds with retreats, immersion trips, mass, meditation, and more.
Our Career Services Center supports students to secure at least three internships before graduation. We take students on exclusive visits to local companies and bring top employers on campus to meet you. Best of all, our alumni working at those companies regularly come back to campus to tell you how to ace the interview, what to wear, and how to write the perfect follow–up email. Here's a partial list of where our students intern, and get hired: Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Cisco, Deloitte, DWA Media, Gap Inc., Golden State Warriors, Google, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Federal Reserve Bank, Kiva, Marriott, Nike, Peace Corps, Pixar, San Francisco Mayor's Office, San Francisco Unified School District, Silicon Valley Bank, Stanford Hospital, Square, Teach for America, Tesla, Uber, and University of California – San Francisco.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Our 55–acre campus in the geographic center of San Francisco offers big grassy lawns, panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, and a classic college feel, with residence halls next to labs and libraries. First–year students are guaranteed on–campus housing, and many students have views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Farallon Islands from their dorm rooms. The campus is small enough to walk across in ten minutes, but large enough to offer plenty of space to learn, study, and relax.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
USF offers six on-campus and one off–campus residence halls, with meal plans and common areas. The Lone Mountain Residence Hall, with anticipated completion in spring 2021, will have 600 additional beds, event spaces, and a new dining commons.
Gleeson Library offers spaces for individuals and group study, computer labs, and the Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers that provide free academic support to students. It also houses the Thacher Gallery, which curates exhibitions by emerging artists from campus and across California.
Across from the library is the Lo Schiavo Center for Science and Innovation, which houses a lecture halls, spaces for collaborative learning, and labs for chemistry, toxicology, and mathematics. Harney Science Center's new biotechnology laboratory is equipped with the latest technologies used by Bay Area life science and biotech companies. The Innovation Hive, currently under construction, is scheduled for completion in fall 2020 and will offer all students use of 3D printers, power tools, and heavy equipment for wood and metal work.
Many programs have dedicated spaces as well. Our Nursing Skills Laboratory is exclusively for nursing students, and our Hospitality Management students enjoy the use of a demonstration industrial kitchen. Kalmanovitz Hall houses all programs in the humanities and social sciences, and features a rooftop sculpture garden and seventeen laboratories for language, writing, media, and psychology. The 281 Masonic building houses the Performing Arts and Social Justice department and the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good, while the Presentation Theater and Lone Mountain Studio Theater offer space for theatrical productions and guest speakers.
University Center, in the heart of campus, is home to the USF bookstore, the Center for Academic and Student Achievement, the Career Services Center.
The Koret Health and Recreation Center provides three floors of exercise equipment, court games, weight training, massage, personal training, fitness classes, and an Olympic–size pool. In late 2019 and with ongoing improvements in 2020, the Sobrato Center will offer premium seating at athletic events, a hall of fame, and expanded practice and weight–training facilities. It will also serve as a concert and event venue.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Our campus is just minutes from the Financial District, Golden Gate Park, and the Pacific Ocean. Students enjoy the city's natural beauty, 36 unique neighborhoods, cultural attractions, sporting events from the Bay Area's seven professional teams, and unlimited access to research, internship, and employment opportunities at the Bay Area and Silicon Valley's most successful companies. At USF, everything in San Francisco is only a walk, bike, bus, or BART ride away.
In San Francisco, professors immerse students in projects throughout the city. Whether you're partnering with a local nonprofit for a sociology class, designing a housing project down the street for an architecture class, or testing water samples in a lake for environmental science, you'll get one–of–a–kind practical experiences as a college student in San Francisco.
Through USF's Center for Global Education, students also have access to more than 100 study abroad opportunities in 47 countries. Some programs offer internships to gain valuable work experience abroad or field study programs with research opportunities and experiential learning.
In addition, many professors organize trips with their own classes locally and internationally to supplement the class curriculum.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
International Student
Theme Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
Documentation Guidelines Student Disability Services requests that all students submit qualifying documentation from a licensed professional. This documentation is used to evaluate accommodation requests and to learn more about how the student?s disability impacts their everyday life. Documentation typically includes a diagnosis, functional limitations and possible accommodation recommendations. Ideally documentation is current, however we recognize the barrier that may exist in securing current documentation. SDS recommends that students submit documentation even if they think it is ?outdated.? Suggestions for What Should be Included in Documentation: A clear explanation of the diagnosis (DSM-5, ICD-10) and/or functional impacts, which may include previously utilized accommodations or interventions (and their effectiveness) Scores from the tests administered if relevant (e.g. psychoeducational testing) Recommendations and rationale for reasonable academic and/or clinical accommodations Relevant symptoms across multiple settings, which may include impact on academic, social, residential or vocational functioning History, severity, and approximate duration of disorder Additional recommendations that may assist SDS in determining appropriate accommodationsDocumentation Required for ADHD
Documentation Guidelines Student Disability Services requests that all students submit qualifying documentation from a licensed professional. This documentation is used to evaluate accommodation requests and to learn more about how the student?s disability impacts their everyday life. Documentation typically includes a diagnosis, functional limitations and possible accommodation recommendations. Ideally documentation is current, however we recognize the barrier that may exist in securing current documentation. SDS recommends that students submit documentation even if they think it is ?outdated.? Suggestions for What Should be Included in Documentation: A clear explanation of the diagnosis (DSM-5, ICD-10) and/or functional impacts, which may include previously utilized accommodations or interventions (and their effectiveness) Scores from the tests administered if relevant (e.g. psychoeducational testing) Recommendations and rationale for reasonable academic and/or clinical accommodations Relevant symptoms across multiple settings, which may include impact on academic, social, residential or vocational functioning History, severity, and approximate duration of disorder Additional recommendations that may assist SDS in determining appropriate accommodationsSpecial Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Cross Country
Golf
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: UC Berkeley
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/security