Head-to-Head Comparison
Stanford University vs University of San Francisco
- Stanford Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 5
- San Francisco Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,807 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Stanford University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 38% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $27,624 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #4
San Francisco
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stanford graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (21%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Stanford University over University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick Stanford University over University of San Francisco. Net price $13,807 vs $41,431.
Pick Stanford University over University of San Francisco. THE World Rank #4 vs #401-500.
Pick University of San Francisco over Stanford University. 2.7% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Stanford University over University of San Francisco. 92% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stanford University and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $27,624 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $110,496 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 38% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 38% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Stanford University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 22% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
University of San Francisco does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.7%; at Stanford University, it is 2.2%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of San Francisco offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Stanford University sits higher, at #4 versus #401.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Stanford University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Stanford University is harder to get into, with a 4% admit rate, but University of San Francisco posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.7%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Stanford University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while University of San Francisco leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Stanford University has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Stanford University's enrollment of 7,554 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of San Francisco's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Stanford University and University of San Francisco appear together in 3 rankings. On the Best Colleges in California, Stanford University ranks #1 — Stanford University outranks University of San Francisco by 42 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Stanford's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stanford) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stanford University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or University of San Francisco?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Stanford University or University of San Francisco?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Stanford University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stanford University or University of San Francisco?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 71%.
Stanford University vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
University of San Francisco is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.7% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Stanford University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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