Public Institution

San Francisco State University — San Francisco, California

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Annual Tuition $7,424

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 96.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 20,033

Active Students

Avg. Salary $68,077

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location San Francisco, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"San Francisco State University stands as a pillar of higher education in San Francisco, providing a robust academic foundation for 20,033 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does San Francisco State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at San Francisco State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

18.9%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

10%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

8.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

7.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications

7.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

7.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at San Francisco State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at San Francisco State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at San Francisco State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at San Francisco State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 96.2%

Difficulty Low

San Francisco State University maintains an acceptance rate of 96.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45.8%

Women Enrollment 54.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

San Francisco State University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for San Francisco State University.

Official Admission Portal

How much does San Francisco State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $7,424

Out-of-State Tuition $19,304

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 41.4%

Median Student Debt $15,371

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $7,424, graduates see a median starting salary of $68,077, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can San Francisco State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $68,077

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 50.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,882

Median Salary (6yr) $52,650

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at San Francisco State University in San Francisco?

20,033 Students

Gender Comparison

45.8% Men

54.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

83.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.6%

Asian

23.9%

Black

6.5%

White

15.4%

Unknown

4.2%

Hispanic

39.9%

Two or More Races

5.9%

International

3.5%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 22

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First-Generation 48.2%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 76.3%

🎖️

Veterans 0.5%

💍

Married Students 3.1%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 51%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$77,495
Average Family Income	$43,129
Median Family Income	$27,895

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.3%

54.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the San Francisco Campus Environment

Located at 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does San Francisco State University compare?

Direct Comparison San Francisco State University vs Academy of Art University →

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Direct Comparison San Francisco State University vs California College →

Common Questions about San Francisco State University

Is San Francisco State University a good college in San Francisco, California?

San Francisco State University is a recognized institution in San Francisco with an enrollment of 20,033 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is San Francisco State University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $68,077 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does San Francisco State University cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at San Francisco State University is approximately $7,424. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,304. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of San Francisco State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending San Francisco State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 76.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is San Francisco State University good for Business & Marketing and Visual & Performing Arts programs?

San Francisco State University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Visual & Performing Arts. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending San Francisco State University?

Graduates of San Francisco State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $68,077, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for San Francisco State University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on San Francisco State University's official admissions website.

Does San Francisco State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on San Francisco State University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can San Francisco State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median salary of $68,077 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is San Francisco State University a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare San Francisco State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is San Francisco State University located and what is the campus like?

San Francisco State University is located at 1600 Holloway Ave in San Francisco, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 20,033 learners.

Who typically attends San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA?

The student body at San Francisco State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 48.2% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare San Francisco State University with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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