San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California 94132
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
San Francisco State University is a public institution in San Francisco with particular strength in business and psychology.
A large campus of 20K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $68,077 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,882.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1862, it became the California State Normal School, the first postsecondary institution established by the state.
- •In 1867, the principal of Girls' High School and Normal School, Ellis Holmes, realized that the California State Normal School was not meeting the demand for teachers.
- •When the California State Normal School was moved to San José in 1871, Girls' High became the only publicly supported teacher-training institution.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
75.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,923
Programs (192)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
84%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
152
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium