Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
San Francisco State University logo

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA·Public·20,033 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 20,033 students.

96%
Accept
20,033
Students
N/A
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$54,700
Earnings
10 yr
$15,371
Debt

About This School

San Francisco State University is a public institution located in San Francisco, California with approximately 20,033 undergraduate students enrolled. San Francisco State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. In-state tuition is $7,424 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $54,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

San Francisco State University is a public research university in San Francisco, California, United States. It was established in 1899 as the San Francisco State Normal School and is part of the California State University system.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while tuition debt is relatively low at $15,371 and the San Francisco location opens doors in tech, business, and the arts, a 50% graduation rate is a real concern that parents and students shouldn't overlook. Worth considering if you're self-motivated, have a clear plan of study, and want an affordable entry point into one of the country's most opportunity-rich cities — but students who need strong academic structure or support may struggle to finish.

Founded
1899

Notable Alumni

Anne RiceAnnette BeningKirk HammettRob SchneiderDanny GloverCarl WeathersAlvin AileyAlex BorsteinNina HartleyMohammad Javad ZarifPeter CoyoteBD Wong

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,424
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,304
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$15,371

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,371
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,371
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$42,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White15%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino40%
Asian24%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (20,033 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.