Is the University of San Francisco a Good School? An In-Depth Expert Analysis
As a premier private university located in the heart of vibrant San Francisco, the University of San Francisco (USF) has a stellar reputation as a good school for higher education in the United States. But what exactly makes it stand out?
In this expert guide, we‘ll analyze USF across key indicators to determine whether it offers a high-quality academic experience that sets students up for future success. Drawing upon the latest available data and insider perspectives, we will evaluate factors ranging from academics and student life to return on investment and value compared to peer institutions.
An Inside Look at USF Academics
USF is highly regarded for its rigorous yet well-rounded academics centered on the Jesuit traditions of educating the whole person and driving social change. Let‘s break down the data behind some of its top programs.
High-Ranking Schools and Programs
The table below displays how some of USF‘s signature colleges and programs stack up on a national scale based on influential rankings:
| USF School/Program | Notable Rankings |
|---|---|
| School of Nursing and Health Professions | Top 35 nursing school in the US (US News & World Report) |
| School of Management | Top 100 undergraduate business program (US News & World Report) |
| School of Education | 15th in the West for secondary teacher preparation (US News & World Report) |
| School of Law | Top 100 law school with 65% bar exam pass rate |
USF‘s nursing, business, education, and law programs stand out nationally for their academic rigor, real-world preparation for students, and impressions within their respective industries.
For example, USF‘s School of Nursing and Health Professions consistently maintains excellent NCLEX exam pass rates above 90%, enabling graduates to launch successful nursing careers.
High Graduation Rates and Career Outcomes
Many USF schools and programs also drive strong graduation rates and career outcomes:
- 4-year graduation rate of 68% university-wide (US News & World Report)
- 94% first destination rate for employed, volunteering, or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (USF Career Services)
- Median early career salary of $59,900 (US News & World Report)
These statistics demonstrate USF‘s ability to equip students with the knowledge and competencies to actively contribute to their communities after college.
Unique Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Beyond strong academics, one area where USF excels is providing avenues for students to apply their learning through real-world projects and experiences.
- Study Abroad: 40% of USF students study abroad in over 50 countries. (USF Global Perspectives)
- Internships: USF students complete over 2,000 internships annually across the San Francisco Bay Area. (USF Career Services)
- Social Justice: Social justice is central to a USF education, with students contributing over 150,000 community service hours per year. (USF Leo T. McCarthy Center)
This learn-by-doing approach equips graduates with real-world experience valued by employers.
Vibrant, Inclusive Student Life
USF‘s San Francisco location lends itself to a vibrant, diverse student life experience. The university fosters this through rich cultural traditions, student organizations, Greek life, athletic programs and more.
Highly Diverse Student Body
One cornerstone of student life at USF is diversity, as highlighted in a few student body stats:
- Over 7,100 students from 68+ countries
- 55% identify as students of color
- 16% are first-generation college students (USF At a Glance)
To nurture cross-cultural bonds, USF actively supports ethnic-based clubs and organizations like the Black Student Union and Latinx Student Association. Various cultural celebrations are also held regularly on campus.
Robust Student Organizations
With over 100 student-led clubs and organizations, USF offers no shortage of ways for students to pursue interests beyond their studies:
- Academic/professional groups like the Pre-Dental Society
- Performing arts organizations likedance and improv groups
- Cultural associations like the Chinese Student Association
- Community service clubs like Habitat for Humanity
- Recreational sports groups that compete in soccer, sailing and more
75% of students participate in student organizations, allowing them to gain valuable leadership, teamwork and project planning skills.
Greek Life and Athletics
For those interested, USF also has plenty of opportunities to get involved with Greek life and athletic programs.
- Greek Life: 11 sororities and fraternities focused on values, leadership, academics and philanthropy
- NCAA Division I Teams: Competitive basketball, soccer, tennis, golf and cross country teams
- Club Sports: Lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, quidditch, rugby and more
- Intramural Leagues: Flag football, inner tube water polo, soccer, basketball and other sports
These programs let students build community while pursuing their athletic interests.
The Distinct USF Experience
While statistics on academics and student life are insightful, here we reveal insider perspectives on some intangible elements that characterize the holistic USF experience.
Values-Driven Jesuit Education
As a Jesuit institution, USF weaves themes of social justice, ethical reasoning, spirituality and global perspectives throughout students‘ academic and co-curricular experiences.
Jesuit values shape the inclusive, tight-knit campus culture where students support one another while driving positive change in the world. Students speak passionately about how the Jesuit mission shapes their personal growth and life purpose.
Access to San Francisco Opportunities
USF‘s urban location provides rich access to internships, cultural experiences and networking rarely found at suburban or rural universities.
- Internship Feeder Pipelines: Career Services fosters pipelines into tech giants, healthcare systems, nonprofits and more
- Invaluable Networking: Students mingle with industry trailblazers at conferences, speaker events and through alumni
- Culture at Your Doorstep: San Francisco‘s vibrant arts, activism, innovation and dining scenes
These professional and cultural opportunities empower students to thrive in their industries and communities post-graduation.
Tight-Knit Campus Community
Despite its urban locale, USF replicates the intimate feel of a smaller liberal arts college through close-knit campus bonds. With small classes (10:1 student to faculty ratio), most students form personal connections with professors who become trusted mentors. Peer relations also run deep.
"I‘ve formed lifelong friendships at USF that I know will continue well past my college years. There‘s a familial atmosphere on campus unlike anywhere else." – Sarah L., Class of 2024
This insider perspective demonstrates the supportive community vital to student success.
Costs and Value of a USF Education
Given the rising costs of US higher education, it‘s prudent to analyze the value of an expensive private school like USF.
Annual Cost of Attendance
As a private non-profit institution, USF‘s annual tuition and fees come out to:
- Tuition and Fees: $55,740 per year
- Room and Board (on campus): $18,180 per year
- Books, Supplies, Personal Expenses: $11,000 per year
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$85,000 per year
This places USF among the most expensive universities in California. However, the majority of students receive scholarships or financial aid to reduce costs.
Financial Aid Availability
To improve affordability, USF provides robust financial assistance:
- 93% of undergraduates receive some form of USF scholarships or grants
- $46 million in total USF-funded aid yearly
- $138 million in total federal/state/USF aid yearly (USF Financial Aid)
So while the sticker price is high, most students pay markedly less thanks to generous aid.
Return on Investment
A common question is whether USF‘s total cost provides reasonable return on investment (ROI).
Let‘s analyze undergraduate ROI over 20 years using available data:
- Median Starting Salary: $59,900
- Median Mid-Career Salary: $116,000
- 20-Year Net ROI: $713,120 (US News & World Report)
This high net ROI suggests strong long-term payoff for a USF degree, especially given robust career outcomes. Of course, students should weigh affordability based on their financial aid offers.
How USF Compares to Peer Institutions
To fully evaluate USF, it helps to see how it stacks up against similar private and Jesuit institutions on key indicators:
| University | 4-Year Graduation Rate | Student Diversity | Study Abroad Participation | In-State Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USF | 68% | Highly Diverse | 40% | $55,740 |
| Loyola Marymount | 79% | Moderately Diverse | 33% | $52,815 |
| Santa Clara University | 88% | Less Diverse | 55% | $56,811 |
| University of San Diego | 78% | Moderately Diverse | 71% | $52,988 |
While USF trails some peers slightly in graduation rates, it surpasses them in diversity. It is moderately competitive for study abroad participation and annual fees. These comparisons help students identify tradeoffs between Jesuit options.
Within California, USF also fares well against larger public universities, providing private school-caliber academics and networks with a more nurturing, tight-knit environment.
When selecting schools, students must align priorities like graduation outlook, culture, networks and affordability.
Pros and Cons of USF‘s San Francisco Location
One distinguishing factor is USF‘s urban campus which comes with unique tradeoffs.
Key Benefits
- Unparalleled access to internships, cultural experiences and networking
- Bustling environment that energizes campus life
- Public transportation provides car-free mobility around the city
- Dining, shopping and entertainment all within reach
Potential Drawbacks
- City distractions that test students academically
- Safety concerns relative to suburban campuses
- High cost of living if planning to live off-campus
- Parking challenges and congestion
Ultimately students who gravitate to big cities generally thrive at USF. But those desiring a more insulated campus setting may prefer alternate schools.
Conclusion: USF is Considered an Excellent School Overall
In closing, I give the University of San Francisco high marks as an excellent higher education institution based on its total value proposition to students.
Key advantages like top-rated academics, experiential learning, an inclusive culture rooted in meaningful values and access to San Francisco set up students for personal and professional fulfillment. And while costly, USF education provides strong return on investment over the long run.
Of course personal preferences around location, culture, program strength and finances may make other Jesuit or California schools a better individual fit. There are always tradeoffs to weigh.
But for many students, USF strikes the ideal balance of community, opportunities and supportive spirit. By driving knowledge, purpose and real-world impact, USF empowers students to find their calling.
So is the University of San Francisco a good school? Yes, I wholeheartedly agree it is!