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University of San Francisco vs Stanford University

University of San Francisco is a private university in San Francisco, CA, and Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 62% at University of San Francisco. Stanford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,807 a year against $41,431 at University of San Francisco. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 71% at University of San Francisco. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $89,812 for University of San Francisco.

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,287
7,554
Acceptance rate
62%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1390
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,431
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$80,141
$87,833
In-state tuition
$60,492
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$60,492
$65,910
Application fee
$70
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,537
$0*
$30k - $48k
$33,207
$0*
$48k - $75k
$34,315
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$38,933
$11,092
Over $110k
$52,497
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
92%
Freshman retention
84%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,951
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,812
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
19%
First-generation students
28%
30%
International students
9%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of San Francisco or Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,807 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,431 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of San Francisco and Stanford University?
Before aid, University of San Francisco costs about $80,141 a year and Stanford University about $87,833. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 5,287 at University of San Francisco.
Does University of San Francisco or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 71% at University of San Francisco.
Do graduates of University of San Francisco or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 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 Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of San Francisco is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of San Francisco and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1390 at University of San Francisco and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school