USF vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of San Francisco is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Seattle University 10:1.

USF vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or Seattle U? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Seattle University than USF ($36,948 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 20.6% lower than at University of San Francisco ($15,702 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $3,771 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at USF than at Seattle University (about $3,771 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at University of San Francisco (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 1.8% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($35,351 vs. $34,723).

USF vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF or Seattle U? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Seattle U and USF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 30 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming USF students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at USF (3.57).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

USF vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and Seattle U? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Seattle University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.