Quick Summary
Situated in San Francisco, United States, San Francisco State University is a public established in 1899. The institution enrolls approximately 23700 students, with 6% being international. Known for strengths in Cinema, Ethnic Studies, Creative Writing, it maintains an acceptance rate of 93%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Affordable education in one of the world's most innovative cities with a commitment to social justice and diversity.
Subject Strengths
CinemaEthnic StudiesCreative WritingBusiness AdministrationSpecial Education
Founded1899
TypePublic
Total Students23700
Intl Students6%
Faculty Ratio22
CampusUrban
Campus Size144 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
Not Available
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001–1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
118 Bachelor's degrees, 94 Master's degrees, 5 Doctoral degrees
Programs
Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership, Physical Therapy (DPT), Nursing Practice (DNP)
PhD Programs
Degree completion programs in Business and Child Development
Online Programs
Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, Health Equity Institute, Estuary & Ocean Science Center
Research Centers
Moderate
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate93%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA2.5
GRERequired for select graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · December 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply during the priority filing period and ensure all 'Golden Four' general education courses are completed for transfer students.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$7,524/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$23,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$9,200/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$70
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$31,024/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 118 Bachelor's degrees, 94 Master's degrees, 5 Doctoral degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Communication Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Cinema | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$68,000
Average Salary After Graduation
86%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with San Francisco tech, media, and healthcare sectors.
Industry Connections
GoogleSalesforceKaiser PermanenteWells FargoGap Inc.
Notable Alumni
Jonas Rivera, Danny Glover, Kirk Hammett, Alex Borstein
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Cox Stadium, Maloney Field, Mashouf Wellness Center
Student Clubs
200
Library Resources
J. Paul Leonard Library, Sutro Library
Exchange Programs
CSU International Programs (IP), SF State Abroad
Summer Programs
Available