History
The University of San Francisco, the city's first university, was established by the Jesuits in October 1855. USF’s founding president, Anthony Maraschi, S.J., arrived in San Francisco as an Italian immigrant in 1854.
Education
- College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Law, School of Management, School of Nursing & Health Professions
- USF offers more than 40 majors and 70 minors in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, and School of Nursing and Health Professions.
- USF offers over 60 master's, doctoral, and credential programs that foster intellectual and professional growth for nurses, lawyers, teachers, activists, scientists, environmentalists, financial analysts, and more.
Research
- At the University of San Francisco, students are encouraged to pursue in-depth research at the highest level by taking advantage of USF's extensive resources.
- USF is the home of almost 20 centers and institutes dedicated to research and enrichment. With a shared goal of bringing education and awareness to the larger San Francisco and national community, these organizations spearhead push for a deeper understanding of the meaning of public service and how it relates to the common good through global law and ethics, criminal justice leadership, and child and family development, to name just a few.
Career
Say hello to the future you at the Priscilla A. Scotlan Career Services Center. Whether you are a freshman figuring out your career path or a senior looking for your first full time opportunity, our team is here to ensure your success every step of the way.
The Center provides support for students and alumni on LinkedIn profiles, writing resumes and cover letters, interview practice, finding a job or internship, and exploring careers and majors.
University of San Francisco Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1201 Ranking
- 9 Courses
- 1,174 Academic Staff
- 10,034 Students
- 1,500 Students (int'l)
- 6,522 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Student services
- Student Senate was created to represent, lead, and unify the Associated Students of the University of San Francisco.
- Greek Council is the governing body that oversees social fraternities and sororities at USF and serves as an advisory board for the programming and standards of these organizations. Through various committees and programming, Greek Council brings together individuals from each chapter to share their ideas, create new initiatives, and build stronger bonds between the chapters.
Housing services
- One off- and six on-campus residence halls, including five living-learning communities, each offers a unique way to connect with the university.
- Most USF students living on campus will reside in triples, however a very limited number of double rooms are available. Although triple rooms are the same size as doubles, they will comfortably accommodate three residents and furniture. In triple rooms, two beds are bunked, and a third bed will stand lofted alone.
- Bedding
- Bath towels, bathrobe, and flip-flops for shower
- Toiletries and shower caddy
- Clothes (bring enough for 1-2 semesters)
- Laundry detergent and a laundry bag or hamper (a collapsible hamper is easiest)
- Alarm clock
- Hangers
Library services
- Dorraine Zief Law Library - provides a technologically advanced environment for legal research information and instruction.
- Gleeson Library | Geschke Center - more than 17,000 items including books, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, engravings, and other artworks.
ICT services
ITS
- Cable TV services
- Classroom Technology
- Computer labs
- ITS provides Dell and Apple desktop and laptop computers, and mobile devices for faculty, staff, labs, and classrooms.
- Network Remote Access (using VPN)Network Wifi Access for VisitorsPrinting
- Telephone, fax, and modem service on the San Francisco campus and USF's additional campuses.
- Wireless Network
Medical services
- Health Clinic
HPS staff work closely with Dignity Health Medical Group (DHMG) to provide you with comprehensive primary health care services and appropriate specialty service referrals.
Campus life
The Hilltop Campus - USF’s 55-acre campus is situated just one block from the exact center of San Francisco. Art galleries, sporting events, made-from-scratch meals, live music, a room with a view — everything this city has to offer is less than 3.5 miles away. And usually, it’s right on campus.
Sports facilities
- We offer more than 20 club sports, including rugby, swimming, ultimate frisbee, and taekwondo; a thriving intramural program with leagues ranging from basketball to kickball to soccer; and a band, a cheer team, and a spirit squad.
- Team Sports
- Combat Sports
- Individual Sports
- Performing Arts:
USF currently supports two dance companies: contemporary and hip hop. Both clubs host a spring performance each year on campus. Both clubs host auditions for students that would like to participate in their spring shows. They also teach a recreational class for beginners and those not interested in joining the company.
Student clubs
Student clubs are a great way to empower and enrich yourself while meeting fellow Dons who share the same passion. Once you’re on campus, you’ll have more than 100 student clubs and organizations to join, including:
- Animal rights
- Comics and video games
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental justice
- Fraternities and sororities
- Graphic arts
- Hip hop dance
- Multicultural communities
- Philosophy
- Pre-medical and pre-dental
- Professional development
- Queer alliance
- Sign language
- Student newspaper
- Student senate
- USFtv
Accreditation
Accredited by:
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - International (AACSB)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- International Association of Counseling Services (IACS)
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)
- Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC)
- State Bar of California (CALBAR)
- State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC.CA)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
University of San Francisco Overview
University of San Francisco Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 14.7% United States
Top 23.5% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1201
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | 1201 | 1201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
University of San Francisco Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
San Francisco City
#2 Branch Campus
United States Country
Sacramento City
University of San Francisco Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 35 reviews
- 5 Star 13 Reviews
- 4 Star 16 Reviews
- 3 Star 4 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 2 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.0
Academics and city life
I've loved the demanding coursework and the energetic urban setting at the University of San Francisco. Programs promote experiential learning and community involvement, and instructors are encouraging. With clubs, athletics, and volunteer opportunities, campus life is vibrant. Living in San Francisco offers a unique experience, with its famous buildings, cultural events, and business and tech-related professional options. University of San Francisco is a memorable and enriching experience that challenges you academically while encouraging personal development.
Where the city becomes your classroom
For me, the best thing about the University of San Francisco is the way the city itself becomes part of your education. There are so many internship options, networking events, and professional opportunities right at your doorstep. I�ve been able to apply what I learn in class to real-world settings almost immediately. The campus isn�t huge compared to some other universities, but it feels close, and the diversity among students makes it a very inclusive environment. I really love my time here and would always recommend.
having a blast
I have nothing but positive things to say about my time at the University of San Francisco. I knew I had found the right college for me as soon as I got close. In addition to having an incredible campus with all the amenities an understudy could want, the career opportunities and employment opportunities are unparalleled. The teachers are incredibly well-educated, but what sets them apart is how open and willing they are to assist students. They are humble and practical, which makes asking for guidance and assistance easy. I am incredibly grateful for my time at this university and heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch education in a stable neighborhood.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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