University of San Francisco vs Santa Clara University
University of San Francisco is a private university in San Francisco, CA. Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants and University of San Francisco about 62%, making Santa Clara University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $41,431 a year at University of San Francisco after aid, and about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 71% at University of San Francisco. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $89,812 for University of San Francisco.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,287
6,552
Acceptance rate
62%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1390
1350–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,431
$50,062
Full cost / yr
$80,141
$82,026
In-state tuition
$60,492
$61,293
Out-of-state tuition
$60,492
$61,293
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,537
$22,985
$30k - $48k
$33,207
$19,154
$48k - $75k
$34,315
$26,531
$75k - $110k
$38,933
$37,219
Over $110k
$52,497
$60,678
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
88%
Freshman retention
84%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,951
$91,198
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,812
$109,183
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$19,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
11%
First-generation students
28%
17%
International students
9%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 7
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
- Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 62% at University of San Francisco. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University?
- University of San Francisco is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,431 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of San Francisco and Santa Clara University?
- Before aid, University of San Francisco costs about $80,141 a year and Santa Clara University about $82,026. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University?
- Santa Clara University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,985 there, against about $31,537 at University of San Francisco. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University?
- Santa Clara University is the larger of the two, with about 6,552 undergraduates against 5,287 at University of San Francisco.
- Does University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University have a better graduation rate?
- Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 71% at University of San Francisco.
- Do graduates of University of San Francisco or Santa Clara University earn more?
- Santa Clara University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $109,183 ten years after enrolling, against about $89,812 for University of San Francisco. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of San Francisco and Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of San Francisco is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Santa Clara University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of San Francisco and Santa Clara University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1390 at University of San Francisco and 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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