About

See what students say:

Academics

Students find the quality of University of San Francisco’s location to be inseparable from the school’s “small-ish private liberal arts college” appeal: “San Francisco is a global city with a wealth of opportunity.” However, it’s not just the “diverse education in an even more diverse setting” that makes USF stand out so much as its “dedication to social justice.” The school’s Jesuit roots “is outstanding for students who care about their community and the world beyond themselves,” and that shows in the school’s approach to “philanthropy and a relatively left and liberal style of teaching.” Undergrads love USF’s “small class sizes, good work opportunities in the city,” and “comprehensive core curriculum.” In short, “USF is interested in developing the individual into a strong leader with a particular emphasis on the forces of self-reflection and self-awareness.”

Holding true to its mission to students to “change the world from here,” a USF education empowers students to make “an impact in the world in an area that you are passionate about.” The “extremely talented, well-educated, hard-working, and passionate professors” are “well qualified and deeply care for my education,” facilitating “fun and learning combined” in “interesting, engaging classes that are small.” In class, students find “the opportunity to discuss, to ask questions, and to give feedback. It was not the professor’s classroom, where the professor was controlling the classroom, it was our classroom, all of us together.” Students are encouraged to think for themselves in an intellectual atmosphere that “emphasizes acceptance, diversity, and critical thinking.” That said, the university offers plenty of support: “We have academic success advisers who help make sure we are on track with graduation, help with major changes, and choosing class schedules.” USF’s “very prestigious nursing program” and a “five-year program for obtaining a Master’s in Education” stand out as major attractions, as do its financial aid resources.

Student Body

At USF, students combine in “in one of the best cities in the world” to form what they perceive as “a culturally diverse community that teaches respect, dignity, and honor for all individuals.” They describe themselves and their peers as “artistic, smart, morally sound,” “quirky and interesting.” True to San Francisco’s long history as a home for immigrants and trailblazers, at USF, students will find a “very LGBT friendly environment” where it may even be “more normal to be diverse and weird or queer.” Students “care about the community and believe in taking action to demonstrate their beliefs,” and “the average student may be working for an NGO or volunteering regularly at one of the many non-profits in San Francisco.” They “come from all over the world,” as well as from many “different cultural backgrounds and hobbies and interests,” but hold a common interest of being “committed to their education” and, for the most part, “everyone gets along very well.”

Campus Life

To many students, USF is all about “getting to know each other academically, socially and morally while allowing ourselves to get distracted by the city of San Francisco.” One can’t help but note that the campus is “in a beautiful location” that’s “the ultimate city to be in as a young person,” and “USF is located near the Haight, which means that there’s always something to do even near the campus.” Thanks to “the Muni bus pass that USF gives you,” it’s easy to get around the city (“public transportation becomes your best friend”), and “students very often go off-campus on weekends to visit tourist attractions, go hiking, explore new food places, go shopping,” “hit the nightclubs and bars around the city,” and enjoy “concerts and trips to various museums, shows, and performances.” There’s something for everyone, “whether you enjoy hiking and nature (Golden Gate Park) or enjoy small coffee shops for a nice read.” USF tends not to “care for Greek life/sports,” and on “weekends campus is barren because everyone is out exploring,” but campus is still a “welcoming, second home for all of its students.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
April Crabtree
Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admission

Address
Admissions Office
2130 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone
415-422-6563

Email
admission@usfca.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Koret Health and Recreation Center
War Memorial Gym
Lo Schiavo Science Center
Gleeson Library
Lone Mountain Campus

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Golden Gate Bridge
Mission District shopping and dining
Baker Beach
Golden Gate Park
de Young Museum

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8:30am-5pm
415-422-6563

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Before Campus tours

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a 20-minute drive from campus. Visitors can take shuttle services at the airport without making advance arrangements.

Driving Instructions to Campus
If you enter the city from the airport or the Bay Bridge, follow the signs to the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit the Freeway on Fell St. and proceed for approximately 3 miles. Turn right at Masonic, and then left on Golden Gate Ave. The entrance to the university is on the left. If you enter the city from the Golden Gate Bridge, follow Park Presidio to Fulton St. Turn left and the university is at the top of the hill. From I-280, follow 9th Ave. for 3 miles. Go through Golden Gate Park and turn right on Fulton Street.

Local Accommodations
The small, 36-room Stanyan Park Hotel (750 Stanyan St.; 415-751-1000) is about 6 blocks away. Rooms here are comfortable and romantic, and the moderate rate includes continental breakfast. The joggers among you will particularly appreciate being across from Golden Gate Park. The Laurel Motor Inn (444 Presidio Ave.; 415-567-8467), about 8 blocks away, is moderately priced (including continental breakfast) and convenient.

Admissions

Applicants: 23,103
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Average HS GPA: 3.65







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