San Francisco State University: 94.2% Acceptance Rate

94.2%Acceptance

$7,424Tuition

20,033Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$68,077Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University draws 20,033 students to its urban campus for access to over 100 academic programs within the California State University system. The university has built a reputation for strong diversity and full undergraduate education since 1899. Notable graduates include actor Danny Glover, former California Governor Jerry Brown, and bestselling author Amy Tan. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio while living in one of the country's most active cities.

The financial picture makes SFSU accessible for California residents. In-state students pay $7,424 in tuition, and the average net price after aid is $12,882. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,307 net. Graduates earn a median salary of $68,077 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads reach $15,371. Monthly loan payments average $163, making the investment manageable for most graduates.

SFSU's student body reflects California's diversity. Hispanic students make up 39.85% of enrollment, Asian students 23.86%, and the campus remains 97.23% in-state students. The retention rate of 83.74% shows students generally connect with campus life. While the four-year graduation rate sits at 52.25%, the employment rate reaches 91.9% for graduates who complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

San Francisco State offers more than 100 academic programs as part of the California State University system, drawing students who want full options without the pressure of a highly selective environment. The 94% acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve a broad student population. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes tend to be manageable but not intimate. The school has built a strong reputation in cinema, creative writing, and ethnic studies programs. However, the 50% six-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to finish degrees, whether due to working while studying or changing majors among the extensive program offerings available.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.1%
Retention Rate: 83.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,077
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$119,061
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$112,270
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$111,769
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$94,408
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$84,653
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$80,124
Biology, General.	Master	$76,460
Public Administration.	Master	$72,605
Social Work.	Master	$70,680
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$70,296

View all 192 programs →

Campus Life

San Francisco State sits on a 142-acre campus in the southwestern part of the city, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Park. With housing capacity for 4,596 students out of 20,033 enrolled, roughly 23% live on campus while most commute from around the Bay Area. The campus buzzes with the energy of one of the most diverse student bodies in California, where Hispanic students make up 39.85% and Asian students 23.86% of enrollment.

San Francisco's mild Mediterranean climate means you'll need layers more than heavy coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 or climbing above 75. Students spend weekends exploring the city's neighborhoods, from the Mission's murals to Chinatown's markets. The nearby ocean provides a natural study break, though swimming requires a wetsuit year-round. Campus traditions include the annual Involvement Fair and International Week celebrations that reflect the university's global community. With 97.23% of students from California, SFSU feels like a microcosm of the state's diversity rather than a traditional college town.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 4,596 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1899

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	16	0	19
Stalking	15	4	0
Rape	6	5	1
Domestic Violence	4	3	1
Burglary	7	0	0
Robbery	1	0	4
Fondling	1	1	2
Aggravated Assault	1	0	1
Arson	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

San Francisco State draws students who reflect the Bay Area's incredible diversity. Hispanic students make up the largest group at nearly 40%, followed by Asian students at about 24%, creating one of California's most multicultural campuses. The university serves its local community with 97% of students coming from in-state. Many students are the first in their families to attend college, with over 40% receiving Pell Grants. This demographic mix aligns perfectly with SF State's mission as an access-focused public university that educates California's changing population.

Men: 45.8%
Women: 54.2%
White: 15.4%
Black: 6.5%
Hispanic: 39.9%
Asian: 23.9%
In-State Students: 97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.4%

Location

San Francisco State sits in the heart of one of America's most expensive cities, where the median net price of $12,882 makes it relatively affordable for urban living. The university occupies 142 acres in the southwestern part of San Francisco, about 20 minutes from downtown and the Financial District. Students experience true city life with access to Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, and the diverse neighborhoods that define San Francisco culture. The campus borders the Sunset District, known for its fog-covered residential streets and proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the city's tech industry. Nearly 97% of students come from within California, drawn to this urban setting. Students considering colleges in California may also compare San Francisco State with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Francisco, California 94132

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $68,077
Median Earnings (5 years): $68,268
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $163/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,371

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State accepts 94.20% of applicants, making it highly accessible for California students. The university draws 97.23% of its 20,033 students from in-state, reflecting its role as a regional public institution serving the Bay Area.

How much does San Francisco State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,882 annually, with costs varying by family income from $9,307 for low-income families to $22,813 for high earners. The median debt load of $15,371 is relatively manageable with monthly payments around $163.

What academic programs is San Francisco State University known for?

SF State offers over 100 academic programs across its comprehensive curriculum, with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The university has built a strong reputation for diversity and accessibility, serving as a key pathway for first-generation college students in the California State University system.

How do San Francisco State University graduates perform in the job market?

Graduates achieve a 91.9% employment rate with median earnings of $68,077 ten years after graduation. However, only 50.10% complete their degree within six years, reflecting the challenges many working students face at this urban commuter campus.

Where do students live at San Francisco State University?

The campus houses 4,596 students in on-campus facilities, though most of the 20,033 enrolled commute from throughout the Bay Area. Room and board costs $17,955 annually, reflecting San Francisco's expensive housing market.

What makes San Francisco State University unique in terms of diversity?

SF State stands out with 39.85% Hispanic students and 23.86% Asian students, making it a majority-minority institution. This reflects the university's historic mission as an accessible public option in one of America's most diverse metropolitan areas.