University of San Francisco: Academics, Campus Life, Rankings and Financial Aid Overview

The University of San Francisco (USF), founded in 1855 as the first university in San Francisco and rooted in Jesuit Catholic values, offers a rich blend of academic excellence, diversity, and social justice. Situated on its scenic “Hilltop” campus, USF provides nearly 9,000 students with a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines like business, nursing, law, education, and data science.

Known for its commitment to inclusion—exemplified by its historic stand against racial discrimination in sports—USF ranks highly for campus diversity and location. The university supports a vibrant student life, NCAA Division I athletics, robust financial aid offerings, and a focus on educating the whole person, preparing students to be socially responsible leaders in a dynamic global society.

University of San Francisco: A Deep Dive into the Hilltop Experience

The University of San Francisco (USF) stands as a prominent private Jesuit university, deeply embedded in the vibrant fabric of San Francisco, California. Founded in 1855, USF holds the distinction of being the first university established in San Francisco and the second oldest in California, boasting a rich history of academic excellence, social justice, and a commitment to educating the whole person (cura personalis).

A Storied History

USF’s journey began as St. Ignatius Academy, a modest one-room schoolhouse on what would become Market Street. Its charter was granted by the State of California in 1859, and by 1863, it awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degree. Over the decades, the institution evolved, moving to various locations across the city, including Van Ness Avenue, Hayes, and Shrader Streets, before settling into its current “Hilltop” campus on Fulton Street in 1927. In 1930, to commemorate its diamond jubilee and at the behest of alumni, St. Ignatius College was formally renamed the University of San Francisco.

A defining moment in USF’s history, reflecting its progressive values, occurred in 1951 when the undefeated USF Dons football team famously declined an invitation to the Orange Bowl because it came with the condition that the team leave its two Black players behind. This act of solidarity cemented USF’s commitment to racial equality, making it one of the first racially integrated universities in the country. The university became fully coeducational in 1964.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

USF offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, currently serving nearly 9,000 students across 59 major programs. The university is organized into several schools and colleges, including:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Offering a broad range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• School of Management: Providing undergraduate and graduate business degrees, including a highly-regarded MBA program.
• School of Law: A top-tier law school offering various degrees and specializations.
• School of Education: Focused on preparing educators and leaders.
• School of Nursing & Health Professions: Dedicated to training healthcare professionals.

Key academic areas and popular majors include:

• Business, Management & Marketing
• Health Professions (especially Nursing)
• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences
• Computer & Information Sciences
• Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness & Kinesiology
• Visual & Performing Arts

USF is also home to specialized initiatives like the Data Institute, a central hub for interdisciplinary research and degree programs in applied data science and artificial intelligence, fostering cutting-edge AI-enabled technologies to address real-world challenges.

Rankings and Reputation

The University of San Francisco consistently garners recognition in various national and international rankings:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: #1201-1400 globally.
• U.S. News & World Report 2024: #115 among National Universities.
• QS WUR Ranking By Subject: #551-600.
• QS Sustainability Ranking: #1351-1400.
• Niche 2025: #1 for Best College Location in California, #1 in Campus Diversity among National Universities.

Specific program rankings by U.S. News & World Report have included:

• Graduate Nursing: #49 (2023)
• Entrepreneurship MBA: #19 (2023)
• Finance MBA: #34 (2023)
• MBA Business Analytics: #21 (2023)
• Undergraduate Business: #144 (2023)
• Law: #165 (2023-24)

Campus Life and Student Experience

Nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, USF’s main 55-acre campus, known as the “Hilltop,” offers a dynamic and diverse campus experience. The university prides itself on its strong sense of community and commitment to the Jesuit values of intellectual rigor, social justice, and service.

Campus Life Highlights:

• Student Diversity: USF is recognized for its high campus diversity. The Fall 2024 class profile indicates a diverse student body with:
  • 69.5% from California
  • 8.7% African American
  • 26.6% Asian American
  • 25.8% Hispanic/Latino
  • 9.1% International
  • 19.7% White
• Student Activities: A wide range of student activities and organizations contribute to a vibrant campus life, including over 20 club sports (e.g., rugby, swimming, ultimate frisbee, taekwondo), intramural programs, a band, cheer team, and spirit squad.
• Innovation Hive: A cutting-edge hub for creativity and collaboration, empowering students across disciplines to prototype, code, and innovate.
• Housing & Dining: On-campus housing options are available, with dining facilities offering views of downtown San Francisco.
• Health & Wellness: USF prioritizes student well-being through various health and wellness services.

Athletics: The Dons

The University of San Francisco is the only NCAA Division I university in San Francisco. The USF Dons compete in the West Coast Conference (WCC) and have a storied athletic history, boasting 13 team and individual national championships and 101 conference championships. Notable alumni include basketball legend Bill Russell and NFL Hall of Famer Ollie Matson.

Men’s Division I Teams: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Track and Field. Women’s Division I Teams: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Track and Field, Triathlon, Volleyball.

Tuition and Financial Aid

While a private university, USF is committed to making education accessible. The majority of USF students receive some form of financial aid. For fall 2025 incoming students, the average total aid package was $41,708, with 98% of undergraduates receiving financial assistance. The average merit aid for first-year students was $22,332.

Financial aid options include:

• Federal & State Grants: Need-based aid that does not need to be repaid.
• Federal Work-Study: Opportunities to earn money through on- or off-campus jobs.
• Loans: Federal and private loan options.
• Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships, with automatic consideration for merit scholarships upon application.
• Tuition Exchange/FACHEX: Programs for eligible students whose parents work at participating colleges or universities.
• Veterans Benefits: Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible veterans.

The University of San Francisco continues to be a leading institution, blending its Jesuit Catholic tradition with a forward-thinking approach, preparing students to be leaders who will contribute to a more humane and just world.

FAQs about University of San Francisco

What is the University of San Francisco known for?
The University of San Francisco (USF) is known for its Jesuit Catholic tradition, commitment to social justice, diverse student body, and strong academic programs in business, nursing, law, and data science.

Where is USF located?
USF is located in the heart of San Francisco, California, on a scenic 55-acre campus known as the Hilltop.

When was USF founded?
USF was founded in 1855, making it the first university in San Francisco and the second oldest in California.

Is USF a private or public university?
USF is a private, Jesuit Catholic university.

How many students attend USF?
Approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at USF.

What are the most popular majors at USF?
Popular majors include Business, Nursing, Psychology, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Biological & Biomedical Sciences.

What schools and colleges are part of USF?
USF includes the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, School of Law, School of Education, and School of Nursing & Health Professions.

What is the student diversity like at USF?
USF is known for its diversity, with students representing a range of ethnicities, including Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, African American, and international backgrounds.

Does USF offer financial aid?
Yes, 98% of undergraduates receive financial aid. The average aid package for the 2025 class was $41,708.

What types of financial aid are available at USF?
USF offers federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, tuition exchange programs, and veterans’ benefits.

What is the average merit aid for first-year students?
For the fall 2025 class, the average merit aid was $22,332.

How does USF rank nationally?
U.S. News & World Report ranked USF #115 among National Universities in 2024.

What specialized centers or initiatives does USF offer?
USF hosts the Data Institute for interdisciplinary research in data science and AI, and the Innovation Hive for student creativity and prototyping.

Is USF coeducational?
Yes, USF became fully coeducational in 1964.

What is the campus life like at USF?
Campus life is vibrant with over 100 student organizations, club sports, performing arts, cultural groups, and leadership opportunities.

What athletic division is USF in?
USF competes in NCAA Division I as part of the West Coast Conference (WCC).

What sports are offered at USF?
USF offers men’s and women’s sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, and more.

Who are some notable alumni of USF?
Notable alumni include basketball legend Bill Russell and NFL Hall of Famer Ollie Matson.

Does USF have on-campus housing?
Yes, USF offers several on-campus housing options, including dining facilities with views of downtown San Francisco.

What is the Innovation Hive?
The Innovation Hive is a creative, interdisciplinary space where students can collaborate on projects, prototype ideas, and develop tech-driven solutions.

What values guide USF’s mission?
USF is guided by Jesuit values emphasizing academic rigor, cura personalis (care for the whole person), social justice, and service.

Is USF military/veteran friendly?
Yes, USF participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers benefits and support for veterans and military-connected students.

How many majors does USF offer?
USF offers 59 major programs across its various schools and colleges.

What sets USF apart from other universities?
USF combines a Jesuit educational philosophy with a prime urban location, academic excellence, and a strong emphasis on diversity, service, and innovation.

Does USF offer graduate programs?
Yes, USF offers a wide range of graduate programs including master’s, doctoral, law, and MBA degrees.

Are there study abroad opportunities at USF?
Yes, USF offers numerous study abroad programs and global learning experiences.

What is USF’s mascot?
USF’s mascot is Don the Don, representing the university’s athletic teams known as the Dons.

Does USF have a law school?
Yes, the USF School of Law is a respected part of the university, offering JD and specialized legal programs.

How can I apply to USF?
You can apply to USF via the Common App or the university’s official application portal. Merit-based scholarship consideration is automatic with your application.

What are USF’s recent program rankings?
Recent rankings include #19 for MBA in Entrepreneurship, #21 for Business Analytics, and #49 for Graduate Nursing, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Is USF committed to sustainability?
Yes, USF participates in sustainability rankings and integrates environmental responsibility into campus operations and curriculum.