USF vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of San Francisco is larger than CSUMB based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 7,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

USF vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than USF ($14,493 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Monterey Bay are 12.8% lower than at University of San Francisco ($17,234 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 677.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $52,713 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 196.8% higher at USF than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $40,113 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at California State University Monterey Bay (95% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 185% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($34,723 vs. $12,185).

USF vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and USF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 230 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Incoming USF students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USF students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at CSUMB (3.45).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

USF vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and CSUMB? 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).

• University of San Francisco's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($144 vs. $258).
• More USF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSUMB students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 66%)

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.