University of San Francisco's published cost of attendance reaches $76,421 per year, including $58,222 in tuition, $17,300 for room and board, and $1,152 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $39,495 after financial aid—a savings of $36,926 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $80,141 |
| Tuition and Fees | $60,492 |
| Room and Board | $19,764 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$38,710 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $41,431 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $31,537 |
| $30–48k | $33,207 |
| $48–75k | $34,315 |
| $75–110k | $38,933 |
| $110k+ | $52,497 |
University of San Francisco's published cost of attendance reaches $76,421 per year, including $58,222 in tuition, $17,300 for room and board, and $1,152 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $39,495 after financial aid—a savings of $36,926 from the sticker price. This average net price places USF $12,352 above the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the premium associated with private education in San Francisco.
The substantial gap between published cost and actual net price indicates that most families receive meaningful financial aid packages. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $31,741 for families earning under $30,000 to $48,576 for those earning above $110,000. This $16,835 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates the university's commitment to income-based aid, though costs remain elevated across all income levels compared to public alternatives.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of San Francisco graduates carry median debt of $23,000, positioning at the 48.0th percentile nationally and slightly below the peer median of $24,181. Student debt ranges from $12,000 at the 25th percentile to $28,350 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing patterns despite elevated net costs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 remains manageable given graduates' median earnings of $89,812, meaning debt represents roughly three months of typical graduate income. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $38,144 with monthly payments of $502, reflecting families' willingness to invest in the university's exceptional outcomes.
The combination of moderate student debt with strong earnings creates favorable repayment conditions for most graduates. However, some programs show higher debt levels—Psychology graduates carry median debt of $69,178, while Digital Marketing students borrow $69,092, creating more challenging repayment scenarios in lower-earning fields.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of San Francisco represents a higher-cost, higher-return educational investment that delivers exceptional value despite elevated pricing. Graduates earn $14,589 beyond expectations at the 90.8th percentile nationally, indicating outstanding value creation relative to student inputs and institutional characteristics.
The median earnings of $89,812 rank at the 97.0th percentile nationally, positioning USF among the top 3% of institutions for graduate earnings outcomes. While the net price of $39,495 exceeds the peer median by $12,352, graduates earn $26,746 more annually than peer institution graduates, creating a favorable return on the additional investment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 supports long-term financial stability, while the exceptional earnings growth trajectory justifies the premium pricing for students and families prioritizing post-graduation economic outcomes. However, the elevated costs require careful family financial planning and may create barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds despite available aid.
University of San Francisco enrolls 27.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than one in four students qualify for federal need-based aid reserved for lower-income families. This Pell share positions USF above many selective private institutions while remaining below public university levels.
The $36,926 average financial aid savings represents nearly half of the published cost of attendance, indicating that most families receive substantial aid packages. The progressive net price structure, with low-income families paying $31,741 compared to high-income families paying $48,576, reflects targeted aid toward students with greatest financial need.
However, even the lowest net price of $31,741 remains elevated compared to public alternatives, indicating that affordability challenges persist despite aid efforts. The financial aid profile suggests that USF prioritizes access for students from diverse economic backgrounds while managing the cost constraints of private education in an expensive metropolitan area.
