USF vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

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

Stanford University is larger than USF based on total student enrollment (18,625 students vs. 8,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Stanford University 6:1.

USF vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or Stanford? 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 Stanford University than USF ($25,078 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of San Francisco are 7.3% lower than at Stanford University ($19,764 vs. $21,315).
• Stanford University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF (about $5,418 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Stanford than at University of San Francisco (about $5,418 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at Stanford University (95% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 80.7% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($62,755 vs. $34,723).

USF vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 260 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Stanford students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Stanford students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at USF (3.57).
• USF has a higher acceptance rate (61.7%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

USF vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and Stanford? 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).

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $52,500 more per year than USF graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $70,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $12,525 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($12,475 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($128 vs. $258).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.