University of Portland vs University of San Francisco

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, University of Portland and University of San Francisco stand as two distinct beacons of higher education, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and vibrant student life. While both universities share a commitment to providing a transformative educational experience, they differ in several key aspects. From their contrasting acceptance rates and popular majors to their diverse student body demographics and graduation rates, these institutions present prospective students with distinct opportunities and challenges. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the details and discover which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
University of Portland logo

University of Portland

University of San Francisco logo

University of San Francisco

Overview

Location Portland, Oregon San Francisco, California
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 90.0% 86.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 81.2% 70.9%
Application fees $50
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $55
SAT range 1165 - 1360 1190 - 1390
ACT range 26 - 31 26 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 18.0% 17.0%
Students submitting ACT score 10.0% 11.0%
Total number of applicants 12,044 22,372
Total number of admissions given out 9,778 15,867
Admitted students who chose to enroll 911 1,452
Yield rate 9.3% 9.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $63,438 $75,232
Average net price $35,535 $39,825
Tuition $49,424 $52,920
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,556

Meal plan: $6,248
Room/dormitory: $11,030

Meal plan: $5,110
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $30,748
92.0%
Average amount $31,112
Students receiving federal student loan 43.0%
Average amount $4,884
47.0%
Average amount $5,182
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $21,458
6.0%
Average amount $23,306

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,589
Men 38.0% Women 62.0%
5,969
Men 35.6% Women 64.4%
Graduate students 444
Men 35.1% Women 64.9%
4,065
Men 34.0% Women 66.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 69.7% 35.6%
International students 3.8% 12.9%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,166 2,800
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Oregon California Washington Hawaii Colorado California Washington Oregon Texas Hawaii

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.8% 75.6%
Dropout rate 3.6% 7.8%
Transferred out 15.4% 16.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,806
  • Year 2: $132,866
  • Year 3: $127,021
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,456
  • Year 2: $85,538
  • Year 3: $107,900
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,660
  • Year 2: $78,612
  • Year 3: $85,638
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,479
  • Year 2: $72,510
  • Year 3: $80,550
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,084
  • Year 2: $70,296
  • Year 3: $76,962
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,009
  • Year 2: $61,144
  • Year 3: $70,813
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,727
  • Year 2: $48,041
  • Year 3: $68,336
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,261
  • Year 2: $58,402
  • Year 3: $67,610
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,438
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $65,757
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,067
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $60,165
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $154,879
  • Year 2: $175,674
  • Year 3: $161,396
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $103,844
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $130,019
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $117,274
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $127,016
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,668
  • Year 2: $100,292
  • Year 3: $112,643
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,719
  • Year 2: $96,866
  • Year 3: $106,157
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $105,769
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $103,513
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,025
  • Year 2: $79,284
  • Year 3: $95,947
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,019
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: $85,917
Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,064
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $78,626

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between the University of Portland and the University of San Francisco?

    The University of Portland (UP) is located in Portland, Oregon, while the University of San Francisco (USF) is situated in San Francisco, California. This means UP offers a Pacific Northwest experience with access to the outdoors and a slightly more affordable cost of living compared to USF, which is in a vibrant, urban environment with a higher cost of living and access to the tech industry.

  • How do the campus environments differ at the University of Portland and the University of San Francisco?

    UP boasts a more traditional, residential campus with a strong sense of community and a focus on green spaces. USF has a more urban campus integrated into the city, offering a different kind of campus experience with easy access to city life, cultural events, and professional opportunities.

  • What are the academic strengths of the University of Portland?

    The University of Portland is particularly strong in its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and Pamplin School of Business. It is known for its strong undergraduate focus, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on a well-rounded education.

  • What are the academic strengths of the University of San Francisco?

    The University of San Francisco excels in its School of Management, School of Law, and College of Arts and Sciences. USF is known for its strong programs in business, law, and nursing, and its focus on social justice and Jesuit values.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between the University of Portland and the University of San Francisco?

    Generally, the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) at USF is slightly higher than at UP, reflecting the higher cost of living in San Francisco. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly, so it's essential to compare the net cost after aid for each institution.

  • What is the student body like at the University of Portland?

    UP has a relatively smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. The student body is known for being engaged, involved in campus activities, and often drawn to the university's Catholic and Marianist traditions.

  • What is the student body like at the University of San Francisco?

    USF has a larger and more diverse student body than UP, reflecting the diversity of San Francisco. Students are often drawn to the university's social justice focus, its urban location, and its strong academic programs.

  • How do the campus cultures differ at the University of Portland and the University of San Francisco?

    UP has a strong sense of community and a more traditional campus culture, with a focus on faith-based values and a strong emphasis on student involvement. USF has a more diverse and urban campus culture, with a focus on social justice, innovation, and access to the city's cultural and professional opportunities.

  • What are the career services like at the University of Portland?

    UP's career services provide support for students seeking internships and jobs, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. They offer career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events.

  • What are the career services like at the University of San Francisco?

    USF's career services offer extensive resources for students seeking internships and jobs, with a strong emphasis on connecting students with opportunities in the Bay Area and across the country. They provide career counseling, resume workshops, networking events, and access to a wide range of employers.

  • Which university is better for someone interested in outdoor activities?

    The University of Portland is generally better suited for students interested in outdoor activities. Its location in Portland, Oregon, provides easy access to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures in the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon coast.

  • Which university is better for someone interested in a career in the tech industry?

    The University of San Francisco is generally better suited for students interested in a career in the tech industry. Its location in San Francisco provides unparalleled access to tech companies, internships, and networking opportunities.

  • How does the religious affiliation impact the student experience at each university?

    Both universities are Catholic institutions, but the impact on the student experience differs. At UP, the Catholic and Marianist traditions are more central to campus life. At USF, while Jesuit values are emphasized, the campus is more diverse and less overtly religious in its daily operations.

  • What are the housing options like at the University of Portland?

    UP offers a variety of on-campus housing options, primarily traditional residence halls, fostering a strong residential community. Most students live on campus, especially during their first few years.

  • What are the housing options like at the University of San Francisco?

    USF offers on-campus housing, but due to its urban location, off-campus housing is also a common option. The university provides resources to help students find suitable housing in the surrounding neighborhoods.

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