At $12,882/yr net price, San Francisco State University graduates earn $68,077/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,077/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,077/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,077/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,371 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,307/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,251/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,916/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,944/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,813/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
50.1% of students at San Francisco State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
San Francisco State University offers decent financial returns, though your success depends heavily on your major choice. The low annual net price of under $13,000 makes this one of the more affordable options in expensive San Francisco, and median debt of just over $15,000 keeps borrowing manageable for most graduates.
Clinical lab science and nursing programs deliver strong returns, with graduates earning over $110,000 annually while carrying minimal debt. These healthcare tracks take full advantage of San Francisco's high-paying medical sector and strong demand for healthcare workers. Educational administration also pays well, though the debt load varies dramatically between programs.
The 50% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at SF State. Half of students never finish their degrees, meaning they face loan payments without the earnings boost a diploma provides. The strong 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle leave early, but you need realistic planning to avoid becoming part of that dropout statistic.
SF State works best financially if you can commit to completion and choose a career-focused major. The combination of low costs and proximity to Bay Area employers makes it particularly smart for healthcare, education, and other professional programs. Liberal arts majors face tougher prospects given the high local cost of living, even with the school's affordable tuition.
Only 41% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many families can handle the costs without assistance. Merit aid opportunities appear limited, so your strategy should focus on minimizing time to graduation and choosing majors with clear career pipelines in the Bay Area job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco State University worth the cost?
San Francisco State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $12,882 and median debt of just $15,371. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, and average earnings of $68,077 after 10 years are modest for the expensive Bay Area job market.
What are the highest paying majors at San Francisco State University?
Nursing and clinical lab science programs at San Francisco State University lead to strong earnings, with graduates earning $110,000-$119,000 annually. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall average and justify the investment.
How much student debt do San Francisco State University graduates have?
San Francisco State University graduates carry a median debt of $15,371, which is relatively low compared to many universities. The manageable debt load helps offset concerns about modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
Does San Francisco State University have a good graduation rate?
San Francisco State University has a 50% graduation rate, meaning half of students don't complete their degree. This high dropout rate represents a significant financial risk, as students who don't graduate still face debt without the earning benefits of a degree.