How to get into University of San Francisco
How to get into USF: a Jesuit private in the heart of San Francisco with rolling admissions and ED rounds
61.7%
Acceptance rate
$60,492
In-state cost
What makes University of San Francisco admissions different
The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit Catholic university in San Francisco with around 5,300 undergraduates. Acceptance rate around 62%. Strong programs in business (School of Management), nursing, computer science, and international studies. The San Francisco location is a real differentiator for internships in tech, finance, and nonprofit sectors. ED1 and ED2 offer a meaningful admit bump.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Early Action (November 1), Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 15), or Regular Decision (January 15).
- 2.
Submit the USF supplement. The 'why USF' essay reads better when engaging with the Jesuit identity, the San Francisco location, or specific programs.
- 3.
USF is test-optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if they strengthen your application.
- 4.
Apply for the University Scholars Program (top competitive merit) and other automatic merit awards. Most institutional merit is awarded based on the admission application.
- 5.
Apply to the Honors College on the application.
- 6.
Nursing applicants: USF's BSN program has its own admission requirements; many students apply directly from high school.
- 7.
File the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the priority date. USF uses both for need-based institutional aid.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Confusing University of San Francisco with University of Southern California (also USC). They are different universities in different California cities.
- ✕
Treating ED as cosmetic. The binding ED bump is meaningful for borderline candidates.
- ✕
Ignoring Jesuit identity in the supplement. Non-Catholic applicants are welcome but the supplement reads for engagement with values.
- ✕
Underestimating San Francisco cost of living. Plan it separately from tuition.
The specifics for University of San Francisco
Application deadlines
- Early ActionNovember 1, 2025Non-binding
- Early Decision INovember 15, 2025Binding
- Early Decision IIJanuary 15, 2026Binding
- Regular DecisionJanuary 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Jesuit Catholic identity
Founded 1855. Jesuit values (social justice, formation, service) shape the curriculum and student life. Non-Catholic applicants are welcome but the supplement reads for engagement with values.
San Francisco location
Urban San Francisco campus provides direct access to internships in tech, finance, nonprofit, and government sectors.
Notable scholarships at University of San Francisco
University Scholars Program
Top competitive merit award.
What graduates actually do
USF is a Jesuit Catholic university in San Francisco with strong placement into Bay Area tech, finance, and nonprofit sectors. Alumni include leaders in San Francisco politics, real estate, and law, with the School of Management and Hilltop campus's tech/data programs feeding Salesforce, Google, Meta, and Bay Area startups. The university emphasizes Jesuit social justice values and produces graduates strong in healthcare administration, education, and public service.
Notable alumni
- Bill Russell — NBA Hall of Famer
- Phil Burton — Former U.S. Congressman
- Pierre Salinger — JFK Press Secretary
- Gordon Getty — Composer/philanthropist
- Bill Hannon — Real estate developer
Transfer pathway
USF accepts transfers for fall and spring through rolling admissions. The university honors California's Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for credit transfer from California Community Colleges, and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Transfer Network. Minimum 2.7 GPA. Up to 70 credits transfer from two-year colleges. Transfer scholarships include the Ignatian Scholar Award for community college transfers.
Articulation partners
City College of San Francisco · Skyline College · College of San Mateo · Diablo Valley College · De Anza College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
USF is a target for applicants in the 3.4+ GPA range who want a Jesuit private with an SF location. ED1 is the highest-leverage move for committed candidates. Cost math depends on institutional merit plus federal aid plus realistic SF living expenses.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.