A Mission of Social Justice Rooted in the Jesuit Tradition
USF is a Jesuit Catholic university, but its spirit has long transcended religious boundaries. The university’s educational philosophy is deeply inspired by “Cura personalis” (care for the whole person)—a focus on the holistic development of every individual. At its very core, USF has embedded social justice into its DNA.
At USF,the pursuit of equity is not just a slogan—it is a way of life. The university explicitly states its mission as “educating students to become leaders in a more humane and just world,” and “Change the World from Here” is not merely a motto but a commitment put into practice every day. This spirit permeates every major and every class—whether it’s the business school’s curriculum emphasizing social justice and cultural understanding, or the Department of Theology and Religious Studies engaging in social justice through interfaith dialogue and service-learning. USF is cultivating future leaders who are both capable and committed.
Top Diversity in the Nation and Academic Excellence
The USF campus is a mini-United Nations in itself. In the 2025 edition of *U.S. News & World Report*, USF was ranked No. 1 in campus diversity in the U.S. Students come from all 50 states and 111 countries around the world, represent 23 different faith traditions, and speak 50 different languages. Given priority to students who have earned a University of San Francisco Diploma
USF also excels in academic rankings. The university ranks in the top 25% of U.S. universities and is recognized as one of the nation’s best value colleges. In terms of social mobility, USF ranks in the top 15% nationwide—meaning it not only educates the elite but also transforms the lives of thousands of ordinary students through education. The School of Management ranks in the top 25% of U.S. business schools, with six undergraduate programs ranked among the top 50 in the nation; and the MBA program ranks in the top 30 nationally in areas such as management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship.
The Entire City Is Your Classroom
What makes USF truly unique is that it turns the entire city of San Francisco into a classroom for its students. The university is situated atop one of San Francisco’s seven hills, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. But even more important than the scenery are the endless possibilities offered by this location.
Through the Capstone course, USF computer science students collaborate with Bay Area tech companies to solve real-world industry problems; the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) program requires students to complete a 10-week internship, solving real business challenges for partner companies; and the School of Business has been recognized by the “Positive Impact Rating” as a business school committed to social impact and sustainability. As USF puts it: “We make the most of every corner of San Francisco to provide you with real-world experiences you can’t get anywhere else.”
A Diverse and Vibrant Community
USF’s main campus spans 55 acres and is adjacent to Golden Gate Park. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs. As many as 96.9% of graduates report satisfaction with their college experience.
USF’s alumni network exceeds 117,000 members, spanning 139 countries worldwide. Notable alumni include NBA legend Bill Russell, former Intel CEO Paul Otellini, and former NFL Commissioner Peter Rosell. Among its Chinese alumni, Weijian Shan, Partner at Newbridge Capital, Liwu Chen, Founder of Walden International, and Sihao Zhuang, Founder of BEA Systems are among the most distinguished representatives.
