San Francisco State University
About San Francisco State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, California. It is known for its programs in film, creative writing, business, and ethnic studies, and its campus is located near Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean.
Founded
1899
Location
San Francisco, California
Students
21,758
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
50.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,950
Out-of-state: $20,550
Avg Net Price
$12,278
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$68,077
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
May 1
San Francisco State University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
50.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.7%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
53.2%
$/Student
$10.6K
Class Size
Large
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 82.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,950
In-State
$20,550
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$22,266
Books & Supplies
$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,488
After Financial Aid
$12,278
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,341
Receive Grants
42.2%
Take Loans
23.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,488/yr for in-state students, including $22,266 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,278. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,550.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at San Francisco State University fund their education.
While in School
42.2%
Get Grants
Free money
23.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,895
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,371
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$163/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,371. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends San Francisco State University.
Gender
53.7%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
18,639
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,119
Graduates
48.2%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
18.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 48.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
18,639
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
San Francisco State University fields 8 varsity teams with 287 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
287
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
154
Men
133
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of San Francisco State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,077
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
1023 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$35K
479 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$36K
369 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$51K
307 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
241 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$41K
229 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $49K at eight, and $68K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Francisco State University
What is the acceptance rate at San Francisco State University?▾
How much does San Francisco State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at San Francisco State University?▾
How much do San Francisco State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.