Head-to-Head Comparison
Syracuse University vs University of San Francisco
- Syracuse Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 13
- San Francisco Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Syracuse University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $38,793 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Syracuse University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Syracuse University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $79,164 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Syracuse
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,793, roughly $2,638 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 82% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 46% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #177
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than Syracuse University
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Syracuse graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (13% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 University of San Francisco over Syracuse University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Syracuse University over University of San Francisco. Net price $38,793 vs $41,431.
Pick Syracuse University over University of San Francisco. THE World Rank #177 vs #401-500.
Pick Syracuse University over University of San Francisco. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.7%.
Pick Syracuse University over University of San Francisco. 82% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Syracuse University and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Syracuse University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,375 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse 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, Syracuse University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,793, about $2,638 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 $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,552 before any change in aid. Choosing Syracuse University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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
Syracuse University graduates a larger share of its students, 82% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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
Syracuse University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at University of San Francisco, it is 2.7%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Syracuse University 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, Syracuse University sits higher, at #177 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 Syracuse University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Syracuse University saves about $2,638 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $10,648 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Syracuse University ranks higher globally (#177 vs #401-500), but University of San Francisco alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Syracuse University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Communications, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
No strong negative signals — San Francisco competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
San Francisco offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
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
University of San Francisco is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Syracuse's top program is Sociology (13% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Syracuse University is strongest in Communications, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of San Francisco concentrates in 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.
Syracuse
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or University of San Francisco?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Syracuse University or University of San Francisco?
Syracuse University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,793 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Syracuse University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Syracuse University or University of San Francisco?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 71%.
Syracuse University vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
Syracuse University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 2.7%.
Should you choose Syracuse University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Syracuse University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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