Acceptance Rate
96%
“Urban powerhouse launching careers in film, ethnic studies, and broadcasting from the heart of San Francisco.”
San Francisco, CA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
San Francisco State University traces its roots to 1899, when it opened as a training school for teachers in a growing city eager for educators. Over decades, it evolved into a comprehensive public university within the California State University system, drawing over 26,000 undergraduates who reflect the Bay Area's mix of cultures and ambitions. Students who thrive here embrace the hustle of city life, seek hands-on learning over ivory-tower prestige, and value activism alongside academics; those craving intimate seminars or rural escapes might find the pace overwhelming.
Nestled in San Francisco's Richmond District, the campus pulses with urban energy—think fog-shrouded mornings and easy walks to Ocean Beach—yet it trades guaranteed housing for a commuter rhythm that keeps many students off-campus. The high cost of living in the city means budgeting carefully for rent and meals, but the payoff comes in constant exposure to tech hubs, arts scenes, and diverse neighborhoods. SF State's personality shines as resilient and inclusive, shaped by its history of student-led change.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms buzz with future filmmakers dissecting scripts in the Cinema Department or budding journalists honing skills in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts, programs that stand out for their practical edge. You'll navigate large introductory lectures in a university of this size, but upper-division courses often shrink for closer faculty guidance amid a creative, collaborative vibe. Research leans toward applied projects rather than massive labs, fitting students eyeing real-world roles over PhD tracks.
Ethnic Studies anchors the curriculum as the first of its kind nationwide, weaving social history into majors like Business, Engineering, and Creative Writing. Competitive entry into some impacted programs requires solid grades early on, and the sheer scale means planning around crowded core classes. Still, the intellectual culture rewards bold ideas in a setting that mirrors San Francisco's innovative spirit.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
19,444 undergrad • 3,119 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
16%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
37%
Asian
23%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
San Francisco, CA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes morning commutes on Muni with afternoon club meetings and evening gigs at on-campus venues like the McKenna Theatre. The social scene thrives on diversity—over 100 nationalities represented—with arts events, film screenings, and protests adding spark to the calendar. Housing options cover about 2,500 beds in residence halls, leaving most students to explore off-campus apartments amid the city's rental crunch.
Traditions lean casual, like Gator sports tailgates or annual cultural festivals, fostering bonds in a commuter-heavy environment where weekends often spill into the city. The fog and chill test your wardrobe year-round, but proximity to Golden Gate Park offers escapes for runs or picnics. Party life pulses in nearby bars rather than a dominant Greek scene, suiting independent types over rah-rah crowds.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
California Collegiate Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
51%
6 Years Graduation Rate
66%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$68,077
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at San Francisco State University and return in the fall. 51% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 66% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
51%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
32%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,742
Acceptance
96%
Undergrads
19,444
4-Year Grad Rate
51%
Endowment
$162M
San Francisco, CA 94132