How many students applied to the University of San Francisco?

USF reported 24,888 first-year applicants in its latest official Common Data Set, with 15,358 admitted and 920 enrolled.

What GPA do you need for the University of San Francisco?

USF does not publish one guaranteed GPA cutoff. Its first-year profile shows an average first-year GPA around 3.61, while the Common Data Set reports a 3.62 average high school GPA for enrolled first-year students who submitted GPA.

Is the University of San Francisco test optional for 2026?

Yes. USF does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission. Students may submit scores if they represent academic ability well, but applicants are not penalized for applying without scores.

What SAT score is good for the University of San Francisco?

Among enrolled Fall 2024 students who submitted SAT scores, USF reported a middle 50% SAT composite range of 1200–1380, with a median of 1300. Only 12.39% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores.

What ACT score is good for the University of San Francisco?

Among enrolled Fall 2024 students who submitted ACT scores, USF reported a middle 50% ACT composite range of 25–30, with a median of 28. Only 2.61% of enrolled first-year students submitted ACT scores.

What are the University of San Francisco application deadlines?

For fall first-year applicants, USF lists Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines as November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadlines are January 15. Supplemental material deadlines differ by plan.

How can I improve my University of San Francisco application?

Improve your USF application by showing strong college-prep coursework, a solid GPA, community involvement, thoughtful Common App writing, a smart test-optional choice, complete transcripts, and nursing-specific preparation if applying BSN.

University of San Francisco Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide University of San Francisco Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

🌉 University of San Francisco acceptance rate 2026 guide

University of San Francisco Acceptance Rate 2026: 61.7% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

61.7%

Direct answer: The University of San Francisco acceptance rate for 2026 planning is about 61.7%, based on the latest official Common Data Set: 15,358 admits from 24,888 first-year applicants.

USF is moderately selective overall, but your real chance depends on GPA, college-prep courses, major choice, test-optional strategy, community involvement, essay quality and whether every material arrives on time.

This page answers the main applicant questions first: acceptance rate, GPA, SAT/ACT, deadlines, nursing competitiveness, application materials, international rules, cost, video resource, official links and FAQs.

📊 Acceptance rate 📚 GPA & SAT/ACT 📅 Deadlines ✅ Checklist

61.7% First-year admit rate

15,358 admitted from 24,888 Fall 2024 first-year applicants.

3.62 Average GPA

Official CDS average high school GPA for enrolled first-year students.

1200–1380 SAT middle 50%

Among enrolled students who submitted SAT scores.

16% Nursing admit rate

Fall 2025 first-year nursing admit rate: 409 offers from 2,517 applicants.

Quick navigation for USF applicants

📊 Acceptance rate and applicant data 📚 GPA, SAT and ACT 📅 ED, EA and RD deadlines 📘 Required college-prep courses 🩺 Nursing and major selectivity 📄 Application materials 💰 Cost and aid ❓ 10 USF FAQs

University of San Francisco acceptance rate 2026: the number first

Searcher question	Direct answer	What it means
USF acceptance rate 2026	About 61.7%.	USF is selective but reachable for prepared applicants.
Applications	24,888 first-year applicants.	Large applicant pool; a complete and clear application matters.
Admitted students	15,358 admitted first-year applicants.	Many qualified students are admitted, but not all majors feel equally open.
Enrolled students	920 first-year students enrolled.	USF admits more students than it enrolls because applicants choose among colleges.
In-state applicants	9,845 in-state applicants; 7,094 admitted.	California applicants still need strong academic preparation.
Waitlist	1,327 offered a waitlist spot; 364 admitted from waitlist.	Waitlist movement exists, but applicants should not depend on it.

USF 61.7% admit rate = moderately selective overall + test optional + GPA/course rigor very important + nursing much more selective

USF GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?

GPA answer

Average enrolled GPA: 3.62 in the official CDS. USF’s first-year page shows a similar average profile around 3.61.

GPA strength

About 64.13% of enrolled first-year students had a GPA of 3.50 or higher.

SAT answer

Middle 50% SAT: 1200–1380, median 1300, among the small group who submitted SAT.

ACT answer

Middle 50% ACT: 25–30, median 28, among the small group who submitted ACT.

Factor	USF official signal	Applicant strategy
Academic GPA	Marked very important in CDS selection factors.	Keep grades steady and show an upward trend if your earlier grades were weaker.
Course rigor	Rigor of secondary school record is very important.	Choose demanding classes that match your major: pre-calculus for engineering, chemistry for nursing.
SAT/ACT	Not required, but considered if submitted.	Submit only if the score strengthens your academic story.
Test submit rate	Only 12.39% submitted SAT and 2.61% submitted ACT in the CDS.	Test optional is widely used; do not panic if you do not submit scores.
Essay	Application essay is important.	Use the Common App personal statement to show identity, growth, values or purpose.
Community/service	Volunteer work and character are important in review.	Show how you contribute to people around you, not just what titles you held.

Testing mistake to avoid: USF says applicants are not penalized for leaving out SAT/ACT scores. Submit scores only if they represent your academic ability better than your transcript alone.

University of San Francisco application deadlines

Plan	Application deadline	Materials deadline	Decision timing	Deposit deadline
Early Decision I	Nov. 1	Nov. 7	Mid-Dec.	March 1
Early Action	Nov. 1	Nov. 7	Mid-Dec.	May 1
Early Decision II	Jan. 15	Feb. 1	Mid-Feb.	March 1
Regular Decision	Jan. 15	Feb. 6	Mid-March	May 1
Spring Regular Decision	Nov. 1	Confirm with USF	Rolling / posted by USF	Dec. 1

Best timing: Use Early Action if your application is ready. Use Regular Decision if you need better senior grades, a stronger essay or more time to organize materials.

USF high school course requirements

Subject area	USF expectation	Applicant tip
English	4 years	Strong writing helps the Common App essay and class readiness.
Mathematics	3 years	Engineering applicants should complete pre-calculus before applying.
Social sciences	3 years	Useful for showing reading, analysis and civic awareness.
Lab sciences	2 years	Nursing applicants must complete chemistry before applying.
Nursing science detail	Chemistry plus either biology or physics	USF says completing both biology and physics does not increase nursing admission chances.
Foreign language	2 years	Helpful for a global, Jesuit, San Francisco-centered education.

Course strategy: Do not only ask “Is 61.7% easy?” USF marks GPA and course rigor as very important, so your transcript still carries the application.

USF nursing and competitive majors: where acceptance is lower

University-wide rate

61.7% overall first-year acceptance rate from the CDS.

Nursing rate

16% Fall 2025 first-year nursing admit rate: 409 offers from 2,517 applications.

Nursing GPA signal

Fall 2025 admitted nursing students had an average internally calculated core GPA of 4.09.

Test-optional nursing

USF reports 84% of Fall 2025 admitted nursing students were admitted without test scores.

Program path	Why it matters	Best applicant evidence
BSN Nursing	Direct entry, highly selective, no later transfer into nursing if admitted to a different major.	Chemistry, strong core GPA, service mindset, health interest and distinct nursing short answer.
Engineering	Requires stronger math preparation; pre-calculus is expected.	Math rigor, projects, physics, coding, robotics, design/build work.
Business / management	San Francisco location supports business, tech and entrepreneurship interests.	Leadership, work experience, business clubs, community projects or measurable impact.
Arts, humanities, social sciences	USF values voice, community and purpose.	Writing strength, service, identity, advocacy, creative work or public-interest projects.

Nursing warning: If you are admitted to a different major, USF says you cannot later transfer into the nursing program. Apply nursing only if that is your real first-choice path.

University of San Francisco application materials

Common Application USF Direct Application Coalition Application $70 application fee Fee waiver if eligible High school transcript Fall senior grades when requested Common App essay Nursing short answer Optional SAT/ACT Optional recommendation English proficiency if required Certification of finances for F-1/J-1

Material	USF detail	Mistake to avoid
Application platform	Common App, USF Direct Application or Coalition Application are treated equally.	Using USF Direct for nursing; USF notes direct application is for non-nursing majors only.
Transcript	USF accepts unofficial PDF transcripts for review if clear and readable.	Uploading blurry, incomplete or unreadable transcripts.
Essay	Common App personal statement is 650 words.	Writing only about San Francisco without showing your own growth or values.
Nursing short answer	Nursing applicants answer a Jesuit mission question about responsibility to others as a BSN professional.	Copying from the main essay instead of writing a distinct nursing-focused answer.
Letter of recommendation	Optional and reviewed equally with or without it.	Adding a generic letter that repeats the transcript.
SAT/ACT scores	Optional; USF superscores SAT and ACT if submitted.	Submitting weak scores when the transcript is stronger.

University of San Francisco video resource

The supplied YouTube link appears to be USF-related news rather than an admissions guide. It is included below as the provided video resource. For better SEO match, replace it with an official admissions, campus tour or “how to apply” USF video when available.

Publishing tip: If you replace this video, update the YouTube ID in both the iframe and the VideoObject schema, and replace the uploadDate with the exact YouTube publish date.

How to apply to USF: scan-first checklist

Start with the real rate Use 61.7% as the overall first-year rate, but adjust expectations for nursing and major preparation.

Choose the right deadline Use Nov. 1 for ED I or EA. Use Jan. 15 for ED II or RD.

Pick the right application Common App, Coalition or USF Direct are fine, but nursing applicants should avoid USF Direct.

Check course readiness English, math, social sciences, lab sciences and foreign language are core expectations.

Make a test-optional decision Submit SAT/ACT only if it improves your file. Most enrolled students did not submit scores.

Write for mission and community USF wants to see who you are, how you grew and how you contribute to your community.

Track materials Make sure transcripts, fee/waiver, optional scores and nursing short answer are complete by the materials deadline.

USF cost and aid: what applicants should know

Cost / aid item	Official detail	Applicant action
2026–2027 undergraduate tuition	$63,880 for 12–18 units.	Use tuition as the starting point, not the final yearly cost.
Traditional undergraduate standard costs	$83,642 for tuition, fees, room and board.	Compare net price after scholarship and aid, not sticker price only.
Health insurance	May be added unless waived under USF rules.	Check waiver rules if covered by family insurance.
San Francisco living cost	Housing, food, transportation and personal expenses can be significant.	Build a full budget before depositing.
FAFSA timing	Deadlines vary by admission plan.	Follow the USF dates page, especially if applying ED or EA.

Cost reality: USF is in San Francisco, so total cost matters. Always compare your actual aid offer, housing plan, insurance status and family budget before committing.

International applicants: quick answers

Application deadline

International first-year applicants follow the same major fall deadline pattern: apply by Jan. 15 for fall, or Nov. 1 for spring.

English proficiency

If English is not your native language, USF requires TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo unless a waiver applies.

Transcripts

International applicants need transcripts from each school and certified translations if records are not in English.

Certification of finances

F-1 or J-1 visa applicants must verify ability to pay for the first year at USF.

Common mistakes that hurt USF applicants

Only looking at 61.7%: Nursing and some preparation-heavy majors are more selective.
Submitting weak test scores: USF is test optional; weak scores are not required.
Ignoring course requirements: Engineering needs pre-calculus; nursing needs chemistry.
Using USF Direct for nursing: USF says the direct application is for non-nursing majors only.
Writing a generic San Francisco essay: Show your story, service, growth and purpose.
Uploading poor transcripts: USF requires readable PDF transcripts for review.
Skipping the nursing short answer: Nursing applicants need a distinct Jesuit mission response.
Missing materials deadlines: Supplemental materials deadlines are not the same for every plan.
International document delay: English proof, translations and finances take time.
Ignoring cost: San Francisco living expenses can change affordability.

Official University of San Francisco links and sources

The key official details are summarized above. Use these links before submitting to confirm current rules, deadlines, costs and program requirements.

Common Data Sets

Official CDS page for applications, admits, GPA, SAT/ACT, waitlist and admission factors.

Open USF Common Data Sets

First-Year Admission

Application platforms, materials, essay, transcript and test-optional application steps.

Open First-Year Admission

What We Look For

GPA profile, coursework, extracurriculars, optional recommendation and test-optional guidance.

Open What We Look For

Dates & Deadlines

ED I, EA, ED II, RD, spring and transfer application dates.

Open Dates & Deadlines

First-Year Nursing Admission

Direct-entry nursing rules, academic requirements, admit rates and nursing deadlines.

Open Nursing Admission

USF Quick Facts

Enrollment and 2026–2027 tuition/standard-cost facts.

Open USF Quick Facts

FAQs about University of San Francisco acceptance rate 2026

What is the University of San Francisco acceptance rate for 2026?

The University of San Francisco acceptance rate for 2026 planning is about 61.7%, based on 15,358 admitted students from 24,888 first-year applicants in the latest official CDS.

Is the University of San Francisco hard to get into?

USF is moderately selective overall. It is reachable for prepared students, but nursing and preparation-heavy majors can be much more competitive.

How many students applied to USF?

USF reported 24,888 first-year applicants, 15,358 admits and 920 enrolled first-year students in the latest official Common Data Set.

What GPA do you need for USF?

There is no single guaranteed GPA cutoff. USF’s latest first-year profile shows an average around 3.61, and the CDS average enrolled high school GPA is 3.62.

Is USF test optional?

Yes. USF does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission. Applicants are reviewed and considered for merit scholarships with or without scores.

What SAT score is good for USF?

Among enrolled students who submitted SAT, the middle 50% range was 1200–1380, with a median of 1300. Submit only if your score helps.

What ACT score is good for USF?

Among enrolled students who submitted ACT, the middle 50% composite range was 25–30, with a median of 28.

What are USF application deadlines?

For fall first-year applicants, ED I and Early Action are due Nov. 1. ED II and Regular Decision are due Jan. 15. Materials deadlines vary by plan.

Is USF nursing harder to get into?

Yes. USF first-year nursing reported a 16% admit rate for Fall 2025, with 2,517 applications and 409 admission offers.

How can I improve my USF application?

Show strong college-prep coursework, a solid GPA, thoughtful community involvement, a meaningful Common App essay, a smart test-optional decision and complete materials by deadline.