USF vs. Lipscomb

Comparable Facts

Compare University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA with Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of San Francisco is larger than Lipscomb based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 5,017 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Lipscomb University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Lipscomb University 13:1.

USF vs. Lipscomb Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University than USF ($27,695 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lipscomb University are 22% lower than at University of San Francisco ($15,424 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 49.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lipscomb (about $19,920 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at USF than at Lipscomb University (about $19,920 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lipscomb University than at University of San Francisco (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 21.2% larger than aid received by Lipscomb University students ($34,723 vs. $28,645).

USF vs. Lipscomb Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 20 points higher than at Lipscomb (1270).
• Incoming USF students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Lipscomb).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Lipscomb University 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Lipscomb University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Lipscomb - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lipscomb students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at USF (3.57).
• Lipscomb has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 24.9% at Lipscomb.

USF vs. Lipscomb Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $23,500 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lipscomb University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lipscomb graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More USF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lipscomb students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 68%)

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.