San Francisco State University

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58.1
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
45.6
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
70.6
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
74.6
Washington Monthly National
50
Wall Street Journal
30.8
U.S. News - National Universities
26.9
Forbes
Student Reviews
75.6
Grad Reports
70.6
Niche
65.5
My Plan
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
94%
Percent Admitted
25%
4-year Graduation Rate
25,282
Enrollment
19.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$8,914
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$7,524
In-State Tuition and Fees
$19,404
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Public, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

San Francisco State University is a public, comprehensive university located in San Francisco, California and part of the twenty-plus campus California State University System. Established in 1899, the University began as the San Francisco State Normal School. In 1921 the school was renamed the San Francisco State Teachers College, awarding its first bachelor of arts degree two years later in 1923. By 1935 the College had again been renamed, this time as the San Francisco State College; the state college opened its current campus near Lake Merced in 1953, though it was not formally dedicated until the following year. In 1972 the school achieved university status, adopting its current name two years later in 1974.

Academic Programs

According to its mission statement, San Francisco State University seeks to be, “Firmly connected with its innovative home city; strongly committed to creating opportunities for each student to discover his or her unique path in life; deeply engaged with the world’s economies, cultures and politics; uniquely focused on excellence in teaching and research that can be actively applied toward improving the world we live in.” San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has been so since 1949.

More than 110 bachelor degree programs are offered as well as over 100 master’s and doctoral degree programs, including the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ph.D. in Education and Doctor of Physical Therapy Science. San Francisco State University is comprised of several colleges, including the College of Business, the Graduate College of Education, the College of Ethnic Studies, the College of Extended Learning, the College of Health & Social Sciences, the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, and the College of Science & Engineering.

Student Life

San Francisco State University has a total enrollment figure of more than 30,000, including nearly 27,000 undergraduate students. The University offers several on-campus student housing options. Amenities in each of the University’s residence halls include laundry machines in each facility, wireless and internet connection, basic television, access to computer labs as well as to the Village Fitness Center. Each floor has one Resident Assistant who works very closely with resident students to ensure that students are able to succeed both academically and socially. Several meal plan options are available for students to choose from – participation in a meal plan is mandatory for all resident students.

San Francisco State University recognizes a variety of student-led clubs and organizations, as well as several Greek fraternities and sororities, which cater to a wide range of personal, professional, and academic interests. These and other campus events and activities provide students with ample opportunity to interact with one another outside of the classroom and to grow valuable leadership qualities. As an NCAA Division II school, the University’s varsity athletic teams compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.