Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of San Francisco
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 8
- San Francisco Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stevens Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $41,346 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Stevens Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Stevens Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $108,772 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 21% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $41,346, roughly $85 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 48% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
San Francisco
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (43% 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of San Francisco. Net price $41,346 vs $41,431.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of San Francisco. 4.3% mobility rate vs 2.7%.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of San Francisco. 88% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stevens Institute of Technology and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Stevens Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 48% of applicants, while University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,446 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stevens Institute of Technology 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, Stevens Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $41,346, about $85 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of University of San Francisco also borrow less: median debt of $23,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $340 before any change in aid. Choosing Stevens Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 21% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 21% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 18% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at University of San Francisco, it is 2.7%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Stevens Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $23,000 at University of San Francisco.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of San Francisco's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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
Stevens Institute of Technology and University of San Francisco appear together in 4 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Stevens Institute of Technology ranks #2 — Stevens Institute of Technology outranks University of San Francisco by 17 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Stevens Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (43% 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 Stevens Technology) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions, Social Sciences, 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.
Stevens Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stevens Institute of Technology or University of San Francisco?
Stevens Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 48% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of San Francisco?
Stevens Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $41,346 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of San Francisco?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 71%.
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 2.7%.
Should you choose Stevens Institute of Technology or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stevens Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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