San Francisco State University campus
San Francisco State University logo

San Francisco State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Dormitory capacity 4,332
Student to faculty ratio 20 to 1
Acceptance rate 93%
Students retention rate 85%
On-time graduation rate 54%

Located in San Francisco, California, SFSU is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 93% indicates that SFSU is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

SFSU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 85% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

92.9%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$7,304

Cost of attendance at San Francisco State University in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$19,184

Cost of attendance at San Francisco State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 72 of freshman students at San Francisco State University received on average $9,586 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,586
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 1,282 49% $5,368 $6,881,947
Other Federal Grant 1,284 49% $5,596 $7,184,630
State Grant/Scholarships 1,425 54% $2,537 $3,615,918
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,234 47% $5,953 $7,346,408
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,893 72% $9,586 $18,146,956

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of San Francisco State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of San Francisco State University students is 53.7%. Female students graduated at a rate of 56.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 49.5%.

53.7%

  • asian 62.7% 632 students
  • African American 43.2% 86 students
  • white 53.3% 376 students
  • unknown 59.5% 72 students
  • hawaiian 36.4% 4 students
  • hispanic 49.0% 780 students
  • International Students 50.0% 91 students
  • Mixed Race 58.4% 149 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball California Collegiate Athletic Association
  • Basketball California Collegiate Athletic Association
  • Track and Cross Country California Collegiate Athletic Association

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

San Francisco State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

San Francisco State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training