San Francisco State University (SFSU) vs CSU East Bay

San Francisco State University (SFSU) and California State University-East Bay (CSUEB) are two distinct universities within the California State University system, each offering unique educational experiences. SFSU, located in the heart of San Francisco, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while CSUEB, situated in the vibrant East Bay region, emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. With different acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to diverse student populations and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences, ensuring you make an informed decision that sets you on the path to success.

	California State University-East Bay	San Francisco State University
Overview
Location	Hayward, California	San Francisco, California
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	85.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.4%	92.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	14,448	27,777
Total number of admissions given out	11,899	25,809
Admitted students who chose to enroll	941	3,149
Yield rate	7.9%	12.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $29,378 Out of state: $41,258	In state: $30,675 Out of state: $42,555
Average net price	$12,631	$13,641
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,723 Meal plan: $4,650	Room/dormitory: $10,134 Meal plan: $4,392
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $8,540	72.0% Average amount $9,586
Students receiving federal student loan	17.0% Average amount $4,931	19.0% Average amount $4,829
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $12,200	1.0% Average amount $13,379

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,114 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	23,424 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%
Graduate students	3,075 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%	3,475 Men 34.7% Women 65.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	2.3%	1.6%
International students	7.7%	7.0%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,634	4,332
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Oregon Alaska	California Washington Oregon Texas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Communication and Journalism	Health Professions Education Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business
Students to faculty ratio	24:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	48.4%	53.7%
Dropout rate	42.2%	35.5%
Transferred out	3.9%	7.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $99,479 Year 2: $113,585 Year 3: $127,920 Statistics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,165 Year 2: $78,785 Year 3: $97,059 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,891 Year 2: $79,838 Year 3: $93,792 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,466 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $93,531 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,056 Year 2: $80,309 Year 3: $85,641 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,200 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,105 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,406 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $73,621 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,738 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $72,620 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,666 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $70,695 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,229 Year 2: $60,878 Year 3: $69,691	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,349 Year 2: $112,270 Year 3: $136,160 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: $111,466 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $134,876 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $99,655 Year 2: $111,769 Year 3: $118,952 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,331 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $92,910 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,088 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $89,726 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,510 Year 2: $80,124 Year 3: $88,723 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,988 Year 2: $72,605 Year 3: $85,412 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,876 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $82,073 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,604 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,061 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,296 Year 3: $78,899

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between San Francisco State University (SFSU) and California State University-East Bay (CSUEB)?

SFSU is a large, urban university located in San Francisco, offering a wide range of programs with a strong emphasis on arts, humanities, and social sciences. CSUEB is a mid-sized university located in Hayward, with a more suburban setting and a focus on business, science, and technology programs. SFSU tends to have a more diverse student body and a stronger connection to the city's cultural scene, while CSUEB offers a more close-knit campus community and a greater emphasis on career preparation.
Where are SFSU and CSUEB located, and how does location impact student life?

SFSU is located in San Francisco, offering students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural attractions, job opportunities, and entertainment options. However, the cost of living in San Francisco is high. CSUEB is located in Hayward, in the East Bay, which offers a more affordable cost of living and a quieter, more suburban environment. While CSUEB students have access to the Bay Area's resources, they may need to travel further to reach major attractions.
Which university is more affordable: SFSU or CSUEB?

Generally, tuition and fees are comparable between SFSU and CSUEB as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance, including housing and living expenses, is significantly higher at SFSU due to San Francisco's high cost of living. CSUEB, located in Hayward, offers a more affordable option for students seeking to minimize their expenses.
What are the popular majors at SFSU and CSUEB?

SFSU is known for its strong programs in film, journalism, creative writing, psychology, and business. CSUEB is recognized for its programs in business administration, health sciences, computer science, engineering, and education. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of strength differ.
How do the campus cultures differ between SFSU and CSUEB?

SFSU has a more diverse and politically active student body, reflecting the city's progressive values. The campus culture is often described as vibrant and engaged, with a strong emphasis on social justice and artistic expression. CSUEB has a more close-knit and career-focused campus culture. Students at CSUEB often prioritize academic success and career preparation, and the campus community is known for its supportive environment.
What are the class sizes and student-faculty ratios like at SFSU and CSUEB?

SFSU, being a larger university, generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. The student-faculty ratio is around 28:1. CSUEB has smaller class sizes and a more favorable student-faculty ratio, around 24:1, allowing for more personalized attention from professors.
What kind of student support services are available at SFSU and CSUEB?

Both SFSU and CSUEB offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, disability services, health services, and tutoring. SFSU, due to its larger size, may have a wider variety of specialized programs and resources. CSUEB, with its smaller size, may offer more personalized support and a more accessible environment for students seeking assistance.
What are the transportation options for getting to and around SFSU and CSUEB?

SFSU is well-connected to San Francisco's public transportation system, including buses, streetcars, and BART. Many students rely on public transit to get to campus. Parking can be challenging and expensive. CSUEB is accessible by car and has ample parking. It is also served by BART, but students may need to take a shuttle or bus from the BART station to campus.
What are the research opportunities like at SFSU and CSUEB?

Both SFSU and CSUEB offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. SFSU, with its larger faculty and research infrastructure, may have a wider range of research projects available. CSUEB provides opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects, often with a focus on applied research and community engagement.
How do SFSU and CSUEB compare in terms of graduate programs?

Both SFSU and CSUEB offer a variety of graduate programs. SFSU has a broader range of graduate programs, particularly in areas like film, education, and the humanities. CSUEB has strong graduate programs in business, health sciences, and education. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.

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