USF Admission Requirements
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- San Francisco, CA
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USF Admission Overview
USF admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year USF admitted 61.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.57 GPA (A-) and SAT 1190-1390 / ACT 25-30. USF is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
USF is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
USF Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Low
Admission difficulty for University of San Francisco
Acceptance Rate
The USF acceptance rate is 61.7%. Last year, 15,358 of 24,888 applicants were admitted. That is the 40th lowest acceptance rate in California.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into USF and can you get accepted?
USF is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.
University of San Francisco typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.57. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 6% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
USF GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.57Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.57
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at USF typically have around a 3.57 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. USF is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #46 in California for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
USF Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
The University of San Francisco does not require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants. You may send scores if you think they represent your academic record, or you may apply without them and you will still be considered for admission and merit scholarships. If you send scores, the University of San Francisco superscores the SAT and the ACT and does not use SAT writing sections. Self-reported scores are accepted. Non-native English speakers still need an English proficiency exam unless they meet a waiver.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.usfca.edu/admission/undergraduate/what-we-look-for
USF SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1190-1390Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
12%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 610
- Math 580
- Composite 1190
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 700
- Math 690
- Composite 1390
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at USF typically score around a 1290 SAT (middle 50% 1190–1390) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 87th percentile nationally. USF ranks #25 in the state of California and #209 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1190 to 1390
SAT policy
USF is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1290 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
USF ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
25-30Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
3%25th Percentile Scores
- English 26
- Math 24
- Composite 25
75th Percentile Scores
- English 33
- Math 28
- Composite 30
Average ACT
Incoming testers at USF typically have around a 27 ACT (mid-50 25–30) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 85th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. USF places #28 among colleges in California for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 25 to 30
ACT policy
You may apply to USF without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 27.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the USF chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of San Francisco and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Jan 15, 2027Days left to Apply
137Applicants have 137 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jan 15, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of San Francisco is $70.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
USF is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 61.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.57 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1190-1390); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to University of San Francisco often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122612.
GPA calculator: University of San Francisco GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026