University of San Francisco vs University of San Diego: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of San Francisco and University of San Diego, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of San Francisco vs University of San Diego at a glance
University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants and University of San Diego 52.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,496 at University of San Francisco and $29,539 at University of San Diego. Six-year graduation rates are 66.2% and 81.1%, 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 University of San Diego 52.4%, so University of San Diego is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,496 a year at University of San Francisco and $29,539 at University of San Diego; University of San Diego costs $957 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $23,963 at University of San Francisco and $16,814 at University of San Diego.
- 66.2% of students graduate within six years at University of San Francisco, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $94,613 for University of San Francisco and $93,069 for University of San Diego; University of San Francisco is $1,544 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $22,956 at University of San Francisco and $21,250 at University of San Diego.
- University of San Francisco enrolls 5,287 students (large city) and University of San Diego 5,671 (large city).
Side by side
University of San Francisco and University of San Diego 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 | University of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 61.7% | 52.4% |
| Applicants | 22,372 | 14,326 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1190–1390 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–30 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,496 | $29,539 |
| Tuition, in state | $62,462 | $62,420 |
| Tuition, out of state | $62,462 | $62,420 |
| Cost of attendance | $81,835 | $83,503 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $23,963 | $16,814 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $26,079 | $17,381 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,957 | $21,109 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $27,201 | $24,962 |
| Over $110,000 | $38,553 | $52,698 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 66.2% | 81.1% |
| First-year retention | 83.7% | 91.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $94,613 | $93,069 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $22,956 | $21,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $261 | $242 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,287 | 5,671 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
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 University of San Diego 41; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of San Francisco vs University of San Diego
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of San Francisco or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of San Francisco admits 61.7% of applicants and University of San Diego admits 52.4%.
Which is cheaper, University of San Francisco or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego has the lower average net price after grants: $30,496 a year at University of San Francisco against $29,539 at University of San Diego. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $23,963 and $16,814. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of San Francisco or University of San Diego 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 $93,069 for University of San Diego. Median federal debt at graduation is $22,956 and $21,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of San Francisco or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego does: 66.2% of University of San Francisco students graduate within six years, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
How big are University of San Francisco and University of San Diego?
University of San Francisco has 5,287 students in San Francisco, CA and University of San Diego has 5,671 students in San Diego, CA.