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University of San Francisco vs Vanguard University of Southern California

University of San Francisco is a private university in San Francisco, CA. Vanguard University of Southern California is a private university in Costa Mesa, CA. Both admit about 62% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $21,241 a year at Vanguard University of Southern California after aid, and about $41,431 at University of San Francisco. About 71% of students graduate at University of San Francisco, compared with 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Francisco alumni earn a median of about $89,812, against $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California.

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,287
1,933
Acceptance rate
62%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1390
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,431
$21,241
Full cost / yr
$80,141
$52,665
In-state tuition
$60,492
$41,700
Out-of-state tuition
$60,492
$41,700
Application fee
$70
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,537
$17,225
$30k - $48k
$33,207
$18,462
$48k - $75k
$34,315
$18,976
$75k - $110k
$38,933
$24,117
Over $110k
$52,497
$27,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
56%
Freshman retention
84%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,951
$43,464
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,812
$59,541
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
44%
First-generation students
28%
36%
International students
9%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 2

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 Vanguard University of Southern California harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 62% of applicants. 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 Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,241 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 Vanguard University of Southern California?
Before aid, Vanguard University of Southern California costs about $52,665 a year and University of San Francisco about $80,141. 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 Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,225 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 Vanguard University of Southern California?
University of San Francisco is the larger of the two, with about 5,287 undergraduates against 1,933 at Vanguard University of Southern California.
Does University of San Francisco or Vanguard University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
University of San Francisco has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California.
Do graduates of University of San Francisco or Vanguard University of Southern California earn more?
University of San Francisco alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,812 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of San Francisco and Vanguard University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
University of San Francisco is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vanguard University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of San Francisco and Vanguard University of Southern California look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1390 at University of San Francisco and 980–1200 at Vanguard University of Southern California. 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