University of San Francisco - Overview
An Active and Engaged Student Body, a Beautiful Campus, and an Urban Setting Create a Thriving Academic Environment
With a beautiful campus that is nestled in the dynamic and renowned city of San Francisco, California, USF provides students with a perfect environment in which to live, learn, and grow. With state-of-the-art facilities for both academic and athletic pursuits, comfortable housing options, and a major metropolis at their doorstep, USF students can take advantage of a safe and comfortable setting while easily being able to explore internship opportunities, professional connections, and cultural and entertainment amenities offered by the city.
Housing is readily available for incoming students as well as returning students, and an advanced housing management system allows for the efficient and effective reservation of housing for all students at the University of San Francisco. Because all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, the essence of the USF campus is truly one of community.
Community-based Approach to Learning Creates Unparalleled Opportunities and Broadens Students' Horizons
It is among the core values of the University of San Francisco to instill in students the view that learning should be a humanizing, social activity rather than a competitive exercise. This focus on community permeates all aspects of the Bay Area school and is the primary reason that the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has classified USF as one of only 76 "community engaged" colleges and universities in the U.S.
With small classes taught by full professors and highly accessible faculty who are dedicated teachers and noted scholars, the atmosphere of scholarship and learning at USF is unmistakable. The community-based approach to learning is taken very seriously, as undergraduates regularly partner with faculty on scholarly research, and students can choose from over 70 academic majors and programs in the Schools of Arts and Science, Business and Management, and Nursing.
Special programs at the Northern California university include pre-professional studies and pre-legal studies. USF also offers students the opportunity to apply for the Honors in Humanities Program and the McLaren College of Business Honors Cohort Program.
In addition, the University of San Francisco provides a variety of academically-oriented programs and resources to assist students in their education outside of the classroom. A Freshman Resource Center and the USF Learning and Writing Center are among the easily-accessible services available for academic assistance. The career services center at USF assists graduating seniors in making the transition from being a student to becoming a member of the workforce.
USF emphasizes the importance of each student's responsibility for the global community through study abroad and immersion programs, which are available nationally and internationally. Students may also choose to complete an internship with one of the many San Francisco Bay Area businesses or non-profit organizations.
With a Variety of Clubs, Organizations, and NCAA Division I Athletics, USF Offers Activities for Everyone
With a heavy emphasis on community, USF naturally presents a campus and overall experience that is rife with social opportunities. The vast array of student clubs and organizations at the University of San Francisco includes a student newspaper, academically-oriented clubs and groups, a literary magazine, honor societies, and a host of others.
As a member of the NCAA, USF has a Division I athletic program that features baseball, volleyball, and both men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Students not engaged in NCAA athletics but who wish to remain active in organized sports can take part in the highly-popular intramural sports programs at the university.
The Recreational Sports Department encourages fair play, participation, lifelong learning, and opportunity for all. Intramural leagues, tournaments, and special events are held in the fall and spring semesters. A variety of sports are offered including basketball for men and women, flag football, and co-ed volleyball.
Building Opportunity for Students with Merit-Based Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Student Employment
Opportunities abound for financial aid and scholarships at the University of San Francisco, and well over half of all students receive some form of financial aid, including both merit-based and need-based aid. For top scholars, the merit-based University Scholars Program for Freshmen pays a substantial part of a student's tuition for all four years at USF.
Other opportunities include student loan packages and student employment on campus, whereby students can work to help pay for a portion of their tuition and expenses. A convenient employment portal on the university website features employment and internship opportunities off-campus.