Oxy vs. USF

Comparable Facts

Compare Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA with University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of San Francisco is larger than Oxy based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); University of San Francisco is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Occidental College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Occidental College 9:1; University of San Francisco 11:1.

Oxy vs. USF Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oxy or USF? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of San Francisco than Oxy ($45,443 vs. $48,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Occidental College are 2.6% lower than at University of San Francisco ($19,252 vs. $19,764).
• Occidental College is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF (about $5,782 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Oxy than at University of San Francisco (about $5,782 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at Occidental College (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Occidental College students is 4.8% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($36,400 vs. $34,723).

Oxy vs. USF Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oxy or USF? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USF and Oxy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Occidental College (1450) is 160 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Oxy students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 1380/1520; University of San Francisco 1190/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 31/34; University of San Francisco 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oxy - Test optional; USF - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oxy Jan 10, 2027; USF Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oxy students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at USF (3.57).
• USF has a higher acceptance rate (61.7%) than Oxy (44.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at Oxy vs. 6% at USF.

Oxy vs. USF Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oxy and USF? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Occidental College's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Oxy graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $56,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Occidental College graduates have a $1,348 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($23,652 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Oxy graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($244 vs. $258).
• More Oxy graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.