University of San Francisco vs Seattle University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of San Francisco and Seattle University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of San Francisco vs Seattle University at a glance
University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants and Seattle University 76.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,496 at University of San Francisco and $34,324 at Seattle University. Six-year graduation rates are 66.2% and 70.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants and Seattle University 76.9%, so University of San Francisco is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,496 a year at University of San Francisco and $34,324 at Seattle University; University of San Francisco costs $3,828 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $23,963 at University of San Francisco and $21,379 at Seattle University.
- 66.2% of students graduate within six years at University of San Francisco, against 70.7% at Seattle University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $94,613 for University of San Francisco and $84,728 for Seattle University; University of San Francisco is $9,885 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $22,956 at University of San Francisco and $19,500 at Seattle University.
- University of San Francisco enrolls 5,287 students (large city) and Seattle University 4,062 (large city).
Side by side
University of San Francisco and Seattle University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of San Francisco | Seattle University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 61.7% | 76.9% |
| Applicants | 22,372 | 8,539 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1190–1390 | 1200–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–30 | 23–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,496 | $34,324 |
| Tuition, in state | $62,462 | $58,965 |
| Tuition, out of state | $62,462 | $58,965 |
| Cost of attendance | $81,835 | $75,128 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $23,963 | $21,379 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $26,079 | $21,026 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,957 | $22,301 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $27,201 | $32,633 |
| Over $110,000 | $38,553 | $45,994 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 66.2% | 70.7% |
| First-year retention | 83.7% | 84.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $94,613 | $84,728 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $22,956 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $261 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,287 | 4,062 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of San Francisco reports 45 bachelor's programs and Seattle University 65; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of San Francisco vs Seattle University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of San Francisco or Seattle University?
University of San Francisco is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants and Seattle University admits 76.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of San Francisco 1190–1390; Seattle University 1200–1430.
Which is cheaper, University of San Francisco or Seattle University?
University of San Francisco has the lower average net price after grants: $30,496 a year at University of San Francisco against $34,324 at Seattle University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $23,963 and $21,379. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of San Francisco or Seattle University graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more at the median: $94,613 ten years after entry for University of San Francisco and $84,728 for Seattle University. Median federal debt at graduation is $22,956 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of San Francisco or Seattle University?
Seattle University does: 66.2% of University of San Francisco students graduate within six years, against 70.7% at Seattle University.
How big are University of San Francisco and Seattle University?
University of San Francisco has 5,287 students in San Francisco, CA and Seattle University has 4,062 students in Seattle, WA.