San Francisco State University Overview

San Francisco State University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in San Francisco, CA. It has an enrollment of 22,563 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 92.92%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $12,590. Tuition is $7,304.00 without financial aid.

San Francisco State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At San Francisco State University, 84.52% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

San Francisco State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1.

San Francisco State University Website

San Francisco State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 92.92%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

San Francisco State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $12,590. The in-state tuition is $7,304.00. Out-of-state tuition is $19,184.00

The average tuition is:

• $9,302, when family income is less than $30,000

• $10,722, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $14,231, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $18,359, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $21,953, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 22.95% of students received a federal student loan and 42.58% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $19,184.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

San Francisco State University Net Price Calculator

San Francisco State University Majors/Salaries

San Francisco State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at San Francisco State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,653
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,937
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $52,941
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,157
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,823
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,499
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $53,984
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $84,653
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Doctoral Degree) – $94,408
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $59,726
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $53,775
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,937
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $57,995
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. (Master’s Degree) – $30,771
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,592
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,171
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,516
• East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,848
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,618
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,488
• Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,768
• Legal Support Services. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $53,775
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,382
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,988
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $50,231
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
• Biology, General. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,276
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,342
• Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,017
• Zoology/Animal Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,077
• Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,942
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Behavioral Sciences. (Master’s Degree) – $29,593
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,314
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,450
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Philosophy. (Master’s Degree) – $12,961
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,356
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,135
• Research and Experimental Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $68,219
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,609
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $72,605
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,007
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $70,680
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,762
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,240
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,909
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,147
• Urban Studies/Affairs. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,737
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,379
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,151
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,336
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,768
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,443
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $68,858
• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) – $119,061
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $49,621
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $111,769
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $112,270
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,891
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $80,124
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,219
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $70,296
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,757
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,755
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,426
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,054
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,399
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,274
• History. (Master’s Degree) – $34,704

San Francisco State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at San Francisco State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.16%
• Asian: 25.32%
• Black: 5.86%
• Hispanic: 37.41%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.68%
• Non-resident alien: 6.07%
• Two or more races: 5.47%
• Unknown: 3.35%
• White: 15.68%

At San Francisco State University, 20.18% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

San Francisco State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University (SFSU) is known for having an active and diverse student community, which makes school spirit a prominent feature on its campus. Athletics events such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball games often attract a lot of students, and there are also various student organizations that promote campus spirit and host events throughout the year, such as the Gator Spirit Squad, a group of students who attend sporting events and show their school spirit. SFSU also has a strong commitment to social justice and community involvement, which further enhances the sense of pride that students have in attending the university.

What are some popular extracurriculars at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students. Some popular extracurricular activities include: – Greek Life: With over 20 fraternities and sororities to choose from, Greek Life is a way to make connections and become involved in the school community. – Clubs and Organizations: SF State has over 200 clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural and ethnic groups to academic and pre-professional clubs, as well as recreational and sports clubs. – Sports: The university has a variety of sports teams that students can join, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. – Community Service: SF State has multiple programs that encourage community engagement and service, such as the Center for Community Engagement and the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement. – Performing and Visual Arts: SF State has a renowned Performing Arts Center that showcases student talent in theater, dance, and music performances. The university also has a fine arts program featuring gallery exhibitions and on-campus events. These are just a few examples of popular extracurricular activities at SF State. There are plenty of ways for students to get involved and find their niche on campus.

How are the food choices at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University offers a wide range of dining options for students. There are various on-campus dining locations such as cafes, restaurants, and markets. The campus has several eateries that offer a variety of cuisine including Mexican, Asian, Italian, and American. Additionally, the university has vegetarian and vegan dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The university also has a meal plan program that provides flexibility to students who want to customize their meals. Overall, San Francisco State University has a diverse food culture that caters to the preferences of students.

Is there Greek life at San Francisco State University?

Yes, San Francisco State University has a Greek life community with over 25 fraternities and sororities on campus. The Greek life organizations at SFSU are overseen by the Greek Life Council and provide opportunities for leadership, philanthropy, social events and networking. Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority can attend recruitment events or informational meetings to learn more about the Greek life community at SFSU.

What is San Francisco State University known for?

San Francisco State University is known for its comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, its emphasis on social justice, and its commitment to community engagement. The university is particularly recognized for its programs in ethnic studies, creative writing, cinema, journalism, healthcare, and humanities. In addition, San Francisco State University is known for its strong dedication to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Overall, San Francisco State University is known for its academic quality, cultural diversity, and commitment to social responsibility.

What are the most popular school clubs at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University has a wide range of student clubs and organizations for various interests. However, some of the most popular clubs at San Francisco State University are: 1. Black Student Union 2. Students for Justice in Palestine 3. Queer Alliance and Resource Center 4. Asian American Student Union 5. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) In addition to these, there are many other clubs at San Francisco State University for students to explore and get involved in. These clubs include academic clubs, cultural clubs, sports clubs, political clubs, and many more.

Is the campus at San Francisco State University safe?

San Francisco State University has been ranked as one of the safest college campuses in the United States. It has a low crime rate and campus security is highly visible with officers patrolling the campus. The University also has a system in place that allows students and faculty to quickly report any suspicious activities or threats through the University Police Department. Overall, San Francisco State University has a good reputation for campus safety and security.