About University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco is a private Jesuit university located in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1855 by Rev. Anthony Maraschi, Rev. Joseph Bixio, and Rev. Michael Accolti of the Italian Jesuits, the university was originally known as the Saint Ignatius Academy. In the beginning years, students studied the classics including subjects such as history, Greek, and Latin, among many others. In 1906 during San Francisco’s earthquake and subsequent fire, the college was entirely devastated and relocated near Golden Gate Park. In 1927, the college moved yet again to its current location centrally located between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Golden Gate Park. Three years later, the college underwent another transformation to signify its 75th anniversary and changed its name to the University of San Francisco. In 1964, USF opened its doors to women and became officially coeducational.
Students at USF can pursue degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs are housed in the following schools:
- Arts and Sciences
- Education
- Law
- Management
- Nursing and Health Professions
Graduate online degrees are offered as well. Online students receive the same diploma after completing programs that are adapted from their campus counterparts. USF online degree options come with a rigorous, caring, values-based education.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of San Francisco is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
4,333Fully Online Graduate Students:
15%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
90%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$30,843Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesUSF offers a rigorous path that many students find worth the effort, and that can support steady progress to graduation when finances are stable. The academic side is strong enough that some students accept a higher total cost to stay in that environment and finish on schedule.
Cost is a central part of the completion picture here. USF is often described as extremely costly to attend, with high tuition a recurring note, and housing adds major pressure because many students struggle to find and afford it. In direct price comparisons, some alternatives have come in at less than half of USF’s cost, which can shape how manageable the full time-to-degree path feels.
At USF, support is a real part of daily academic life. Many professors are caring, engaged, and easy to approach. Advisers are often available to help with class planning and registration. Students who reach out can also find helpful staff across campus services.
The experience is not always the same in every office or class. Some students report canceled classes, slow follow-up, or uneven grading in certain cases. Even so, USF offers strong one-on-one help, and many students can find the guidance they need to keep moving forward.
USF online classes fit students who want strong academics. Courses are challenging and high quality. Instructors are engaged and care about student progress. Small classes can make it easier to be known.
The pace feels serious, not light. Support is available when students reach out. Structure can vary across classes at times. Some classes have had cancellations, so consistency is important to watch as terms move forward.
USF’s classroom experience is a clear strength. Small class sizes come up often. Classes are high quality and challenging. Teaching is discussion-based, with room to ask questions and give feedback.
Professors are engaged, and many students feel known in class. The day-to-day experience can still vary. Some students report class cancellations and uneven grading in certain courses. Cost pressure, especially housing, can add strain outside class. Even with that, USF delivers strong teaching and meaningful faculty interaction, and some students also pair coursework with accessible on-campus jobs.
USF is strong in the classroom. Professors are caring and engaged. Classes are rigorous and high quality. Small classes help students feel known.
Belonging also shows up in real ways. Diversity, clubs, and Casa Madriz support transitions for some students. Cost is the biggest pressure point. Tuition is high.
Housing is also a major burden. That total cost can shape completion and stress. Support is available, but consistency is uneven. Some students report cancellations, unresolved notes, and grading issues. USF fits students who want rigor and close faculty contact, and who can carry the price.
USF is strong in the classroom. Professors are caring and engaged. Classes are rigorous and high quality. Small classes help students feel known.
Belonging also shows up in real ways. Diversity, clubs, and Casa Madriz support transitions for some students. Cost is the biggest pressure point. Tuition is high.
Housing is also a major burden. That total cost can shape completion and stress. Support is available, but consistency is uneven. Some students report cancellations, unresolved notes, and grading issues. USF fits students who want rigor and close faculty contact, and who can carry the price.
Online Programs offered by University of San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions About University of San Francisco
Is University of San Francisco accredited?
Yes. University of San Francisco is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does University of San Francisco offer?
University of San Francisco offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of San Francisco offer?
University of San Francisco offers graduate-level programs, including master's and doctoral pathways.
How should students contact admissions at University of San Francisco?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of San Francisco expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of San Francisco falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of San Francisco?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of San Francisco first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of San Francisco programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is University of San Francisco military friendly?
University of San Francisco shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of San Francisco through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of San Francisco applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of San Francisco accept life experience credit?
University of San Francisco accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are University of San Francisco programs fully online or mixed?
University of San Francisco includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of San Francisco offer?
University of San Francisco has online program options in areas such as Nursing and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of San Francisco programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of San Francisco?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of San Francisco programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of San Francisco?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of San Francisco, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of San Francisco programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a University of San Francisco program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of San Francisco is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of San Francisco is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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