Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of San Francisco
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of San Francisco's business program shows something you don't often see: graduates who nearly double their earnings in just three years. Starting at $50,729, these alumni reach $91,169 by year four—an 80% jump that suggests strong employer networks and career acceleration in the Bay Area market. While the program sits in the 60th percentile among California business schools initially, that four-year number puts it within striking distance of USC and Pepperdine grads, despite USF's considerably lower admission selectivity.
The $24,602 in median debt is quite reasonable, particularly given San Francisco's cost of living. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—manageable even before accounting for the substantial raises that appear to follow. The Bay Area's concentration of mid-market companies, startups, and established tech firms seems to benefit USF graduates disproportionately as they gain experience and leverage local connections.
For families willing to invest in a private school education, this program delivers measurable career momentum. The steep earnings trajectory suggests graduates aren't just landing jobs—they're accessing advancement opportunities that justify the upfront cost. If your child thrives in urban environments and can tap into USF's San Francisco employer relationships, the financial outcomes support choosing this over many higher-ranked alternatives.
Where University of San Francisco Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of San Francisco graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of San Francisco graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | $50,729 | $91,169 | $24,602 | 0.48 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $90,008 | $123,780 | $12,195 | 0.14 |
| Golden Gate University | $77,752 | $87,027 | $33,968 | 0.44 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $71,876 | $85,332 | $17,000 | 0.24 |
| University of Southern California | $71,668 | $87,767 | $17,375 | 0.24 |
| Pepperdine University | $69,751 | $82,688 | $28,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $90,008 | $12,195 |
| Golden Gate University San Francisco | $31,243 | $77,752 | $33,968 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $71,876 | $17,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $71,668 | $17,375 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $69,751 | $28,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of San Francisco, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 114 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.