City College of San Francisco: $1,696 Tuition

$1,696Tuition

16,060Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,805Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About City College of San Francisco

This San Francisco institution serves as the city's primary pathway to higher education and career training. With 16,060 students spread across multiple campuses, City College has built its reputation on accessibility and workforce preparation since 1935. The school draws heavily from the Bay Area's diverse communities, with Asian students comprising 32% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 28%. Nearly all students come from California, creating a distinctly local feel that reflects San Francisco's multicultural character.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious students. Most pay around $7,272 annually after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive San Francisco. Graduates typically earn $45,805 ten years after starting, while carrying modest debt loads of just $8,218. With monthly loan payments averaging only $87, the return on investment proves solid for a two-year degree.

The academic experience operates at a larger scale than typical community colleges. Students navigate a 23:1 student-faculty ratio across diverse programs designed for both transfer and career preparation. While the 40% six-year completion rate reflects the challenges many working students face, the 90% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for those who finish.

Academics & Faculty

City College of San Francisco serves as a gateway institution for the diverse Bay Area, with 32% Asian students and 28% Hispanic students reflecting the city's multicultural character. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means professors juggle large classes, though this is typical for California's community college system. With a 40% six-year graduation rate, about four in ten students complete their programs or transfer successfully. The college excels in career training programs like culinary arts, taking advantage of San Francisco's well-known food scene. Many students use CCSF as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities, paying just $1,696 for in-state tuition. The college offers strong transfer pathways to UC and Cal State schools.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,805

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$92,632
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$88,198
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$69,338
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,060
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Associate	$33,281

View all 155 programs →

Campus Life

Downtown San Francisco serves as this community college's campus, with buildings scattered across the city's hills and neighborhoods. The college operates from multiple locations rather than a traditional campus, reflecting its mission to serve San Francisco's diverse communities. Students commute from across the Bay Area, though 95.41% come from California. The city's famous fog rolls in most afternoons, so students carry layers even in summer.

With 16,060 students and a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel intimate despite the large enrollment. The student body mirrors San Francisco's diversity: 32.04% Asian, 27.67% Hispanic, and 20.89% White students create a multicultural learning environment. Women make up 53.89% of enrollment. Students typically work part-time jobs around the city while taking classes, contributing to the 39.60% six-year graduation rate as many attend part-time. Weekends often mean exploring San Francisco's neighborhoods, working, or studying in the city's many coffee shops. The Rams compete in 11 varsity sports with 253 total athletes, though most students focus on academics and work rather than campus athletics.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1935

Campus Safety (2023)

139 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	43
Robbery	0	38
Aggravated Assault	1	34
Domestic Violence	0	7
Burglary	5	0
Arson	0	2
Fondling	0	2
Dating Violence	1	0
Rape	0	1
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–59°F
July Avg: 54°–61°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come from all corners of San Francisco, with 95% staying local for their education. The student body reflects the city's diversity, with Asian students making up nearly one-third of enrollment and Hispanic students representing more than a quarter. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where nursing and allied health programs attract female students. City College serves as an affordable gateway for working-class San Franciscans seeking career training or transfer preparation. The low Pell Grant rate of 17% suggests many students work while attending classes part-time.

Men: 46.1%
Women: 53.9%
White: 20.9%
Black: 7.0%
Hispanic: 27.7%
Asian: 32.0%
In-State Students: 95.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.1%

Location

City College of San Francisco sits in the heart of one of America's most expensive and diverse metropolitan areas. The college serves over 16,000 students across multiple campuses throughout San Francisco, with the main campus just minutes from downtown's financial district. Students navigate a city known for its steep hills, iconic fog, and tech industry presence. The Asian student population makes up 32% of enrollment, reflecting the Bay Area's demographics. Hispanic students comprise another 28% of the student body. San Francisco's high cost of living contrasts sharply with CCSF's affordable $1,696 in-state tuition. Students considering colleges in California may also compare City College of San Francisco with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Francisco, California 94112-1898

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,805
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,266
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,218

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at City College of San Francisco?

City College of San Francisco operates as an open-enrollment community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. With 16,060 students enrolled, CCSF serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in one of America's most expensive cities. The college attracts a diverse student body with 32% Asian students and 28% Hispanic students.

How much does City College of San Francisco cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,272 annually at City College of San Francisco. In-state tuition starts at just $1,696, making it one of the most affordable college options in expensive San Francisco. Low-income students earning under $30,000 pay around $6,859 after aid, while those from families earning $30-48,000 pay even less at $6,097.

What is the student-faculty ratio at City College of San Francisco?

City College of San Francisco maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for large community colleges. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer programs. CCSF has built a reputation as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce quickly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at City College of San Francisco?

City College of San Francisco achieves a 39.6% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the community college mission of serving diverse student populations with varying goals. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,805 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt of $8,218. The college boasts an impressive 89.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections to San Francisco's robust job market.

Where is City College of San Francisco located and what is campus life like?

City College of San Francisco sits in the heart of one of America's most active cities, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities. The Rams compete in 11 varsity sports with 253 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Campus life centers around the diverse urban environment rather than traditional dormitory experiences.

Does City College of San Francisco offer good financial aid options?

Only 17.1% of students receive federal financial aid at City College of San Francisco, largely because the low tuition makes many students ineligible for need-based assistance. Just 2.94% receive institutional grants averaging $6,353, and only 0.71% take federal loans. The college's extremely affordable tuition structure means most students can attend without accumulating significant debt.