Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Chicago vs University of San Francisco
- Chicago Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 11
- San Francisco Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, University of Chicago delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago'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
Chicago
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $26,571 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #12
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?
Chicago graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (40% 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 Chicago over University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick University of Chicago over University of San Francisco. Net price $14,860 vs $41,431.
Pick University of Chicago over University of San Francisco. THE World Rank #12 vs #401-500.
Pick University of San Francisco over University of Chicago. 2.7% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick University of Chicago over University of San Francisco. 95% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Chicago and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but University of Chicago 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
University of Chicago 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, 1,554 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago 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, University of Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $26,571 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $106,284 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Chicago graduates report median earnings of $91,885, compared with $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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
University of Chicago graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 25% 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 University of Chicago, it is 1.9%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
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, University of Chicago sits higher, at #12 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 University of Chicago 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
University of Chicago 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. University of Chicago concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco leans toward Business & Marketing, 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: University of Chicago has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Chicago's enrollment of 7,569 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. 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
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
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 Chicago is featured on the Highest-Yield Colleges (Most-Loved) ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Chicago's top program is Sociology (40% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Chicago) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Chicago is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, 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 University of Chicago or University of San Francisco?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, University of Chicago or University of San Francisco?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do University of Chicago or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of Chicago graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Chicago or University of San Francisco?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 71%.
University of Chicago 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 1.9%.
Should you choose University of Chicago or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago 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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