San Francisco State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 18,639 students.
About This School
San Francisco State University is a public institution located in San Francisco, California with approximately 18,639 undergraduate students enrolled. San Francisco State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,278 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 6% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (18,639 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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