San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96.4%, an average net price of $9,803, and an overall rank of #388 (Grade B+). About 50.3% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $72,429 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 82.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 150.1%, roughly 100.2 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is San Francisco State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
San Francisco State University graduates 50.3% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 67.3% and keeps 82.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use San Francisco State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $15,441 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,324 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $23,890 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,104 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,244 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.4% of San Francisco State University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,699 to $20,813 depending on family income. Use San Francisco State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,150/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,813/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $72,429
- 10-Year Median Earnings $73,299
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~20.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.3%
- Employment Rate 91.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for San Francisco State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
San Francisco State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how San Francisco State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes San Francisco State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 18,639
- Full-Time Students 81.9%
- Part-Time Students 18.1%
- Retention Rate 82.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 50.3%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 67.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into San Francisco State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: San Francisco State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.4%, San Francisco State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.4% acceptance rate, San Francisco State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among San Francisco State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Communication and Media Studies, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 22.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.3%
- Psychology, General 6.3%
- Biology, General 5.1%
- Computer Science 4.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.9%
See more majors
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 3.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $144,430
- 2. Computer Science $112,049
- 3. Computer Engineering $111,112
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $100,807
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $99,619
- 6. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $99,534
- 7. Chemistry $94,846
- 8. Microbiological Sciences and Immunology $87,999
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $82,791
- 10. Computer and Information Sciences, General $82,648
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $150,589
- 2. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $150,277
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $124,033
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $115,737
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $115,426
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $114,984
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $112,862
- 8. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $111,238
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $92,831
- 10. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $92,556
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $144,430—75% more than Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,648). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $150,589 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for San Francisco State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 369 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 307 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 229 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 196 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 195 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Public Health
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- History
- Apparel and Textiles
- Civil Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Journalism
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Mathematics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Statistics
- Dance
- Applied Mathematics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physical Sciences, General
- Natural Sciences
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online Master's Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Psychology, General
- Social Work
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Public Administration
- Computer Science
- Engineering, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Philosophy
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Mathematics
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Health
- Physics
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Chemistry
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Gerontology
- Geography and Cartography
- Communication and Media Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Behavioral Sciences
- Statistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Marine Sciences
- Anthropology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Civil Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Education, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (52 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Special Education and Teaching
- Science, Technology and Society
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Nutrition Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Marketing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- International Business
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
- Economics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Anthropology
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 18,639
- Full-Time Students 81.9%
- Part-Time Students 18.1%
- Male Students 46.3%
- Female Students 53.7%
- Caucasian 15.0%
- Asian 23.4%
- Hispanic 40.1%
- Black 6.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects San Francisco State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of San Francisco State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Francisco State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Francisco State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: San Francisco State University has a diverse student body, with 15.0% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Francisco State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Francisco State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
San Francisco State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #388 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,803 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $72,429 median earnings. The 50.3% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 82.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: San Francisco State University's Strengths
Ranked #388 with a B+ grade, San Francisco State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like San Francisco State University excel at providing affordable education ($9,803 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: San Francisco State University's 82.7% retention and 50.3% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($72,429 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, San Francisco State University and $9,803 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 50.3% graduation rate sits 12.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.7% first-year retention is 5.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $72,429 run about 18% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,803 is roughly $10,104 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 91.6% employment rate within three years is 23.4 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.6% employment rate within three years sits 23.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
San Francisco State University, a public university in San Francisco, CA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #388 overall ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 82.7% of first-year students return; 50.3% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 67.3%. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,803 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,244.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,441 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $72,429 five years after graduation. That sits about 18% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 91.6% of alumni working within three years.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the San Francisco State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). San Francisco State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/san-francisco-state-university/
MLA (9th): “San Francisco State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/san-francisco-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “San Francisco State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/san-francisco-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Francisco State University's acceptance rate?
San Francisco State University's acceptance rate is 96.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does San Francisco State University cost?
At San Francisco State University, listed tuition and fees are $8,324 per year, and the average net price after aid is $9,803. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is San Francisco State University's ranking?
San Francisco State University ranks #388 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is San Francisco State University's graduation rate?
At San Francisco State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 50.3% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 67.3%, and first-year retention is 82.7%.
What are San Francisco State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of San Francisco State University report median earnings of $72,429 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is San Francisco State University's student population?
San Francisco State University enrolls about 18,639 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
- Website www.sfsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$162.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.2%