San Francisco State University

School Overview

San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, CA, 94132. The university is ranked #208 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 90%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Applications are due by 1-May, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With 19,638 undergraduates, San Francisco State University is large enough to offer a wide range of academic programs yet maintains a sense of campus community that helps students find their place. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 29%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at San Francisco State University include Business Administration and Management, General (18% of students, median early-career salary: $79,995), Psychology, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $60,290), and Computer Science (7% of students, median early-career salary: $112,049). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $12,912, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with San Francisco State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. San Francisco State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether San Francisco State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.