San Francisco, CA · Private University
Is University of San Francisco Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$89,812
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$58,222
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,222
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$232,888
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.54x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,495
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of San Francisco graduates earn $44,812 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of San Francisco ranked by graduate earnings
381 graduates
61 graduates
67 graduates
47 graduates
114 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of San Francisco
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of San Francisco, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $127,245) and the lowest (History: $49,631) is $77,614/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $127,245 | 2.2x |
| Computer Science | $121,602 | 2.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $98,950 | 1.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $92,299 | 1.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $91,169 | 1.6x |
| Economics | $87,378 | 1.5x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $86,425 | 1.5x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $83,065 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $77,629 | 1.3x |
| Architecture | $70,929 | 1.2x |
| International Business | $69,821 | 1.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $61,930 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,461 | 1.1x |
| Sociology | $61,096 | 1.1x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $57,937 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $57,848 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $57,265 | 1.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $56,528 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $53,096 | 0.9x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $52,401 | 0.9x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $51,544 | 0.9x |
| HistoryLowest | $49,631 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | 1.54x | $89,812 | Good ROI |
| Pepperdine University | 1.24x | $82,939 | Average ROI |
| Santa Clara University | 1.84x | $109,183 | Good ROI |
| Chapman University | 1.12x | $70,070 | Average ROI |
| University of Denver | 1.20x | $71,155 | Average ROI |
| University of La Verne | 1.39x | $65,464 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of San Francisco offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $89,812 10 years after starting — $44,812 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.2 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.