Accounting at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco accounting program ranks among the strongest nationally—95th percentile—but its position within California tells a more nuanced story. While graduates earn $72,588 in their first year, substantially above the national median of $53,694, they land in the middle of California's competitive accounting landscape (60th percentile). Among comparable Bay Area privates, only Santa Clara and USC place higher, though USF edges ahead of California Lutheran and nearly matches LMU despite a more accessible admissions profile.

The financial fundamentals work decisively in students' favor. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates owe roughly four months' salary—manageable territory even by accounting standards, where strong earnings typically cushion debt loads. Earnings growth to $92,299 by year four reinforces the program's value, showing graduates aren't just securing decent first jobs but building upward career momentum. That $24,660 in debt sits right at California's median, meaning USF students aren't paying a premium for access to San Francisco's finance and tech sectors.

For families weighing private school costs against career outcomes, this program delivers on the core promise: strong placement into a stable, well-compensated field without burdensome debt. The Bay Area location provides natural pipeline advantages into Big Four firms and corporate finance roles that justify the investment, particularly for students who might not reach the selectivity bar at Santa Clara or USC.