Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.1%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $68,077
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,371
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $163/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $119,061 | $9,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $112,270 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $111,769 | $15,233 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $94,408 | $61,250 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $84,653 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,124 | $46,558 |
| Biology, General. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $72,605 | $25,864 |
| Social Work. | Master | $70,680 | $23,688 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $70,296 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $13,750 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,858 | $35,880 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,499 | $17,353 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,592 | $17,500 |
Outcomes Overview
San Francisco State graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial burdens. The median debt of $15,371 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.23, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Monthly loan payments of $163 represent only 2.9% of typical graduate income, leaving plenty of room for San Francisco's high living costs. The 91.9% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Bay Area's diverse economy. Graduates often find work in education, tech support roles, social services, and creative industries. Ten-year median earnings of $68,077 provide solid middle-class income potential. The combination of low debt, strong employment rates, and reasonable loan payments delivers a strong return on investment for most students.