San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

publicDoctoral Universities: High Research Activity (R2)

Safety

B

ROI

A+

San Francisco State University is a large public R2 doctoral research university located in San Francisco, California, with an undergraduate enrollment of 18,639. Classified as a doctoral research university, it supports graduate programs in select disciplines and allocates significant resources to faculty research activity alongside its undergraduate mission. As a public institution primarily funded through state appropriations and federal grants, it operates within the broader California postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is open to most applicants. The 96% acceptance rate reflects a broadly open admissions approach serving a wide range of students. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $11,825 per year. The highest program-level earnings outcomes are in CIP 00 — 10-year median earnings among aid recipients in these fields reach $108,093. The 4-year graduation rate is 50%, 5 percentage points above the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $68,077.

Acceptance Rate

96.4%

Avg Net Price

$12,278

6-yr Grad Rate

67.0%

Earnings 10yr

$68,077

The Numbers

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
96.4%
SAT Range
ACT Range
Enrollment
18,639
Student:Faculty
19:1

Costs & Outcomes

In-State Tuition
$7,950
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,550
Room & Board
$22,266
Students Receiving Aid
42.2%
Median Debt at Grad

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Data from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, College Scorecard, Clery Act), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and FIRE. Updated annually. Not affiliated with San Francisco State University.