University of San Francisco, founded in 1855, is a private Jesuit university with a stunning hilltop campus overlooking the city. Ranked among national universities, USF is particularly strong in nursing, business, and environmental science. The campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities like the cutting-edge Downtown Campus for professional programs.
USF embodies Jesuit values of social justice through its community engagement programs and diverse student body. The university's San Francisco location provides unparalleled internship and career opportunities in tech, finance, and nonprofit sectors.
University of San Francisco Acceptance Rate
University of San Francisco is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 71.18%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of San Francisco Admission Requirements
University of San Francisco GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of San Francisco is 3.57. University of San Francisco is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.27 and 3.57, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of San Francisco GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of San Francisco utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.57, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.57 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.37 – 3.56 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.17 – 3.36 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.16 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of San Francisco, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of San Francisco SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of San Francisco Average SAT Score: 1323
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of San Francisco is 1323 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1323 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1410 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of San Francisco allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1210, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of San Francisco. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 655 | 600 | 710 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 610 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1323 | 1210 | 1410 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1210 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of San Francisco and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1410 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of San Francisco with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of San Francisco are good but the admission staff at University of San Francisco tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of San Francisco ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of San Francisco is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of San Francisco Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 31 |
Can I get into University of San Francisco with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of San Francisco are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.University of San Francisco Profile
Name: University of San Francisco
City: San Francisco
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 94117-1080
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from University of San Francisco Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of San Francisco is USD: 73981. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of San Francisco is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
28.23% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.02 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of San Francisco and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of San Francisco, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of San Francisco as your choice in the form.
How much a University of San Francisco Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 89812. An average University of San Francisco graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of San Francisco. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1290 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1309 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of San Francisco. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1325 | 30 |
| Covenant College | Covenant College, GA | 1315 | 28 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology, IL | 1328 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of San Francisco. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1399 | 30 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1402 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About University of San Francisco Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $89812 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $73981 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of San Francisco is 71.18 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.57. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.27, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.27, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.27 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.17 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of San Francisco if my GPA is below 3.17
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.57, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of San Francisco is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1323 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1210-1410
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of San Francisco.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.