University of San Francisco admits 50.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This positions USF as moderately selective compared to highly competitive private universities, though still more selective than typical four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% shows that USF maintains higher selectivity standards than similar private nonprofit universities. This level of selectivity means that strong academic credentials improve admission chances significantly, though the majority of qualified applicants can expect admission consideration. The university's moderate selectivity reflects its position as a regional private institution with strong outcomes rather than a highly competitive national university. For students building college lists, USF represents a solid target school for students with above-average academic credentials. The 50.8% acceptance rate suggests that students should still include more accessible backup options, but USF should not be considered a reach school for most academically prepared applicants. Students should expect meaningful competition for admission, particularly in popular programs like Business and Nursing, but the admission process remains accessible for students with solid academic preparation. The moderate selectivity aligns with the university's mission of serving diverse student populations while maintaining academic standards that support exceptional post-graduation outcomes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of San Francisco typically present strong academic credentials that reflect the university's moderate selectivity standards. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1210-1390 on the SAT, with a median of 1313. SAT Math scores range from 600-700, while SAT Verbal scores span 610-690, indicating balanced academic preparation across disciplines. ACT scores range from 26-31 with a median of 29, reflecting similar academic strength. These test score ranges place USF well above national averages and at the 97.0th percentile among all institutions, indicating that admitted students demonstrate exceptional academic preparation despite the moderate 50.8% acceptance rate. The peer median SAT of 1256 shows that USF enrolled students score 57 points higher than typical peers, reflecting the university's ability to attract academically talented students. Students scoring within the 1210-1390 SAT range or 26-31 ACT range are academically competitive for admission and should feel confident applying. Those scoring below the 25th percentile (1210 SAT, 26 ACT) face greater competition but remain viable candidates, particularly with strong grades and extracurricular engagement. Students scoring above the 75th percentile (1390 SAT, 31 ACT) should view USF as a likely admission option. The strong test score profile indicates that USF attracts students who could gain admission to more selective institutions but choose the university for its specific programs, location, and outcomes rather than selectivity alone.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of San Francisco enrolls a moderately diverse student body that reflects both academic selectivity and the institution's commitment to educational access. The university enrolls 27.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than one in four students come from lower-income families requiring federal aid. First-generation students comprise 28.0% of enrollment, showing the university serves a significant population of students whose parents did not complete college. Transfer students account for 21.2% of the student body, reflecting USF's openness to students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This composition suggests that while USF maintains selective admission standards, it actively enrolls students from diverse economic backgrounds rather than serving exclusively affluent populations. The substantial Pell and first-generation representation distinguishes USF from highly selective private institutions that often enroll fewer students requiring financial assistance. Geographic diversity reflects the university's San Francisco location and regional appeal, though specific data on state representation varies by year. The student composition indicates that USF values both academic preparation and socioeconomic diversity in its admission process. Prospective students from lower-income backgrounds should recognize that 27.2% of enrolled students share similar financial circumstances, while first-generation applicants can expect to find community among the 28.0% who share their background. The meaningful transfer population suggests that students beginning at community colleges or other four-year institutions can successfully transition to USF.
While University of San Francisco admits roughly half of applicants, students seeking similar outcomes with different admission profiles should consider these alternatives for building a balanced college list.
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Students who enroll at University of San Francisco demonstrate solid retention and completion patterns that indicate institutional support for student success. The freshman retention rate of 80.1% shows that 4 out of 5 students return for their sophomore year, slightly below the peer median of 83.1% but reflecting reasonable satisfaction and academic preparation among enrolled students. The six-year graduation rate of 71.1% indicates that roughly 7 out of 10 students complete their degrees within the expected timeframe, matching the peer median of 70.0% and suggesting typical completion patterns for the institution's profile. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 73.0%, exceeding the overall completion rate by 1.9 percentage points. This positive gap indicates that lower-income students actually perform slightly better than the overall student population, reflecting strong institutional support systems for students requiring financial aid. The fact that Pell students outperform the general population represents an unusual and positive indicator of the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility. Students who gain admission to USF can expect reasonable institutional support for degree completion, with graduation rates that meet or exceed peer expectations. Lower-income students should view the positive Pell completion gap as evidence of effective support systems that help students from challenging economic backgrounds succeed academically. The retention and completion patterns suggest that students who are admitted possess the academic preparation necessary for success, though some may require additional time to complete their degrees.
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