Head-to-Head Comparison
Texas A&M University-College Station vs University of San Francisco
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
- Texas A&M Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 20
- San Francisco Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,315 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas A&M
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $20,116 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 57% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas A&M graduates concentrate in Engineering (17% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over University of San Francisco. Net price $21,315 vs $41,431.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over University of San Francisco. 84% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Texas A&M University-College Station and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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
Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,280 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $20,116 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $80,464 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% 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
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Texas A&M University-College Station to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $20,116 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $17,715 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. San Francisco offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at San Francisco, where only about 42% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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
Texas A&M University-College Station is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas A&M's top program is Mechanical Engineering (17% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Texas A&M University-College Station is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Psychology, Social Sciences. 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.
Texas A&M
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Texas A&M University-College Station or University of San Francisco?
Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of San Francisco?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of San Francisco?
Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 71%.
Should you choose Texas A&M University-College Station or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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