San Francisco State University (SFSU): Admissions 2025, Scholarships, Fees 2025, Rankings & Programs

San Francisco, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1899established year
29758enrollment
ACS WASC
Public
Partner [4 Courses]
7.6/10

Important Alerts

EventsDates
Computer Engineering Priority Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake
Closing in 23 days
31st Aug 2025

San Francisco State University is a leading public research university in USA. The university offer 148 bachelor’s programs, 108 minors, 104 master’s programs, 4 doctoral programs to the international students. You can choose from 33 certificates, and 32 graduate certificate courses in SFSU across numerous disciplines. Also check: San Francisco State University admissions

Every year, SFSU enrolls nearly 30,000 new students to its vast student body. The SF State University Housing program offers on-campus residential living to more than 5000 students, faculty, and staff of San Francisco State University. The average cost to stay in US is 15,680 USD.

The average cost to attend San Fransisco State University is 30,000 USD, which includes tuition fees, cost of living, and several other personal expenses. 65% of students receive some kind of financial aid at the university. Students can avail of 700+ scholarships in US and receive grants up to 8,000 USD. 

San Francisco State University Rankings

  • #29 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, 2022
  • #11 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report, 2022
  • #11 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report, 2022
  • #401-500 US College Rankings by Times Higher Education, 2022

San Francisco State University Campus

The main campus of San Francisco State University covers 144.1 acres of land in the southwest corner of San Francisco. Other sites of the university include Romberg Tiburon Center, Sierra Nevada Field campus and the Downtown campus.

The Mashouf Wellness Center is the social hub of the university offering health, recreation and wellness programs. There are more than 200 active student clubs and organizations that match a wide variety of interests.

San Francisco State University Accommodation

The on-campus accommodation at San Francisco State University is home to around 3,900 domestic and international students. The university provides housing options to students in the form of residence halls, semi suites, and apartments. Some of the housing options at the university include Manzanita square, Towers at Centennial Square, University Park North, Mary Park Hall, Mary Ward Hall, Tower Junior Suites, etc. 

San Francisco State University Courses

San Francisco State University offers a variety of programs including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral degrees, credentials, and certificate programs in a number of disciplines. The University offers 72 bachelor’s degrees with an additional 39 areas of concentration, and 62 master’s degrees with additional 28 areas of concentration.

The University also offers a Doctor of Education degree (Ed D.) with 2 concentrations, a clinical doctorate of physical therapy (D.P.T.) and Ph. D. in Education. The most popular undergraduate majors include Business Administration, Computer Science, Biology, English and Child and Adolescent Development.

San Francisco State University Application Process

San Francisco State University has a moderately selective admission policy. Some programs are considered to be competitive and may have additional requirements for admission. These requirements may include resumes, references, interviews, and others. The University also offers conditional admissions to students who fail to meet the admission requirements. Applicants seeking admission to the San Francisco State University must take note of the following points:
Application Portal: Cal State apply
Application Fee: 70 USD
Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts from each institution attended
  • Word-to-word certified English translation
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.5/4 (80%)
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Scores of exams to study in the U.S.
  • Program specific requirements

The minimum English language proficiency test scores required for admission are as follows:

Test Minimum Requirements
TOEFL  61
IELTS 6.0
PTE 45
SAT (Evidence based reading and writing) 550
ACT (English) 22

San Francisco State University Cost of Attendance

  • The cost of studying in the U.S. comprises tuition fee, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and miscellaneous expenses.
  • Given below is the cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus:
The University has a fixed tuition fee along with other expenses and the undergraduate full-time tuition fee and cost of attendance can be seen as:-
Description UG Cost (USD)

PG Cost (USD)

Tuition fee 7,848 8,918
Books and supplies 1,076 1,076
Food and housing 15,680  15,680
Personal expenses 2,156 2,156
Transportation 1,028 1,028

San Francisco State University Scholarships

  • 66% of the students at the San Francisco State University receive some kind of financial aid.
  • Several public and private forms of financial aid are available at the university including scholarships, grants, work study, loans and others.
  • More than 700 scholarship opportunities are available for students at the San Francisco State University.
  • Scholarships for international students are limited. It is recommended that international students apply for scholarships that do not specifically state that the applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Details of some scholarships are given in the table below:
Scholarship Amount Eligibility
New Leader Scholarship Upto 8,000 USD Undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4 (90%) majoring in Social Science, Health and Human Services, Public Interest, Public Service.
AAUW SF Jubilee Scholarship 500-3,000 USD Awarded to upper division and graduate school women in the final year of study.
Markowski-Leach Scholarship 2,000 USD Awarded to full-time student who demonstrate leadership and commitment in service, employment and scholastics with a minimum GPA of 2.5; Student must self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer.

San Francisco State University Alumni

San Francisco State University graduates become a part of a community of over 3,00,000 alumni members.

Members of the association are entitled to several benefits and services that include:

  • Email forwarding address
  • Access to library
  • Access to Mashouf Wellness Center
  • Career services

Some of the notable alumni at San Francisco State University include:

  • Annette Bening: Academy award-nominated film actress
  • Bernard Bragg: actor
  • Lawrence Chang: Mathematician
  • Kevin Anderson: public administrator

San Francisco State University Placements

75% of the students graduating from the San Francisco State University secure full-time employment within 4 months from graduation. The median salary of the university alumni is 54,500 USD. The average salaries of the graduates and alumni according to a degree can be seen as:-

Degree Salary
Master of Arts 160,000 USD
MBA 74,000 USD
Bachelor of Science 68,000 USD
Bachelor of Arts 60,000 USD

FAQs

Ques.What is the total enrolment of the students in the University?

Ans. The University has a total of 28,880 students enrolled.

Ques.Where can the students apply for admissions to the University?

Ans. The international applicants can apply through the online portal present on the University’s website.

Ques.Does the University offer on-campus housing opportunities?

Ans. Yes, the University offers on-campus opportunities along with off-campus options as well.

Ques.What is the graduation rate of the University?

Ans. The graduation rate of the University is 57%.

Ques.What is the application fee of the University?

Ans. The application fee is 70 USD.

Ques.What does the cost of attendance include?

Ans. The cost of attendance for the University includes the tuition and fees along with the meal plans and housing expenses including other expenses and costs as well.

Ques.What is the student retention rate of the University?

Ans. The student retention rate of the University is 80%.

Ques.What are the scholarships or financial aid options available for the international students?

Ans. The University offers financial aids in the form of loans, scholarships, grants, and many more. Some of the examples include New Leader scholarship, AAUW SF Jubilee scholarship, Markowski-Leach scholarship and many more.

Ques.Is there any helpdesk for the students to clear their queries?

Ans. Yes, the students can contact the University through outreach@sfsu.edu or through the telephone at (415)388-1665.

Ques. Does the University offer diploma courses?

Ans. No, the University does not offer diploma courses instead it offers degree programs and certain certificate courses along with doctorate and research programs also.

San Francisco State University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibilityFinancial Aid
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2025)
USD 20,952 /Yr70GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo-120
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2025)
USD 16,530 /Yr70GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo-120
Priority Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (31st Aug 2025)
Final Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2025)
Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (2nd Dec 2025)
Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026)
USD 20,103 /Yr70GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 61
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
USD 16,530 /Yr70GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 80
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Nov 2025)
USD 16,530 /Yr70GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo-120
M.B.A
2 years
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Nov 2025)
USD 23,124 /Yr70GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 88, Duolingo-120

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Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|PTE59|Duolingo120
Important Date: 01 Oct, 2025
Entry Requirement: GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo-120
USD 16,530 /Yr
32 Students Applied
6 Students Admitted

Master of Science [M.S] Statistical Data Science

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS7.0
Important Date: 15 Nov, 2025
Entry Requirement: GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 80
USD 16,530 /Yr
8 Students Applied
2 Students Admitted

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Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|PTE59|Duolingo120
Important Date: 15 Oct, 2025
Entry Requirement: GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo-120
USD 20,952 /Yr
12 Students Applied
8 Students Admitted
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Ranked #301 out of 400 by ARWU Global Ranking 2021
Exam Scores: TOEFL88|IELTS6.5|PTE59|Duolingo120
Important Date: 01 Nov, 2025
Entry Requirement: GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 88, Duolingo-120
USD 23,124 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
College Partner
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL80|PTE54
USD 7,288 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

San Francisco State University comparison

University NameSan Francisco State UniversitySan Diego State UniversitySan Jose State UniversityUniversity of San Francisco
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 104.2 Out of 104.7 Out of 104.1 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #1401 QS World University 2026
  • #1201 QS World University 2025
  • #1388 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #1001 QS World University 2026
  • #625 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #1001 QS World University 2025
  • #1513 Center for World University Rankings 2025
  • #1624 US News 2024
  • #1418 US News 2023
  • #1201 QS World University 2026
  • #1201 QS World University 2025
  • #1417 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength-
  • #173 for Engineering by US News 2025
  • #501 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #151 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021
  • #1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022
  • #1001 for Law by Times Higher Education 2022
  • #551 for Medicine by QS World University 2020
  • #165 for Law by US News 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 72
  • PG Programs - 35
  • UG Programs- 70
  • PG Programs - 63
  • UG Programs- 127
  • PG Programs - 78
  • UG Programs- 45
  • PG Programs - 33
Acceptance Rate68.2 %35.8 %80.0 %51.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 9256 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 10700 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 31970 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 40843 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 36375 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 38740 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 19732 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 16753 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 12039 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 52920 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 38520 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 31960 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

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San Francisco State University Ranking

202620252024202320222021202020192018

QS World University logo

Overall 1401 out of 1401 in Global Ranking

#104 out of 189 in USA 2026

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San Francisco State University Ratings

Based on 3 Students Rating

7.6 out of 10
7.7/10Academic
7.3/10Accommodation
8.7/10Faculty
7.3/10Infrastructure
8.3/10Placement
6.3/10Social Life

San Francisco State University Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Sciences (1)
Health Care (1)
Campus (2)
Course Curriculum (2)
Faculty (2)
Housing (2)
School (2)
Semester (2)
Structure (2)
Transportation (2)
Tuition (2)
Artist (1)
Career (1)
Future (1)
Health (1)

3 Reviews Found

D
6.3 /10

Overview

The college is close to my house and is more affordable than other colleges. I like the campus itself and also the professors that teach here. The fine arts building has a myriad of rooms that students can use to independently work.

Fees

The feed that the college charges are the usual such as health care fees. Studio classes charge an extra $75 for materials such as pencils, paper, and chemicals and are always readily available for students. M Uni pass is also a part of your tuition which makes transportation more affordable.

academic: 7/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 6/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 5/10

MQ
8.3 /10

Overview

It's in the city of San Francisco and that's what intrigued me to come, so I can explore the city and live the city life. I am from SoCal and I live right next to the beach so moving to San Francisco was a big change for me and it was a change that really helped me grow as a person.

Fees

So basically you pay for tuition every semester and if you live on campus then you pay rent plus your email Plan every month. Tuition comes with a full membership to the new gym and it comes with the ID Card that also allows you to go on public transportation for free which is amazing!

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 7/10

M
8.2 /10

Overview

I loved the location, and it was one of the only Cal State schools with a relatively good nursing program. I also loved the range of classes, as I am a human sexuality minor. The classes they offer for that minor are amazing.

Fees

I believe that it?s about 3500 per semester. On-campus housing ranges, however, I currently pay 800 dollars a month.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 7/10

San Francisco State University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
AAUW International FellowshipsScholarship per student$50,000Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Shardashish Interschool fellowshipScholarship per student$50,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific
BL Mandhana ScholarshipsScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
University of PhoenixScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Forte FellowshipScholarship per student$25,451Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

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San Francisco State University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

San Francisco State University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-7--
Undergraduate
SAT1050950115088
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing530480580-
Mathematics520470570-
ACT21182427
Check Detailed Score
English201624-
Mathematics211724-
Graduate
GRE311.3---

Attendance Cost

$8,388

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$8,388 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$9,822 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,948 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$14,502 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$3,015 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$14,502 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$3,015 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$2,966 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$3,015 / Year

San Francisco State University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program wise accreditation
Arts Programs
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Clinical Science Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Programs
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Physiotherapy Programs
American Physical Therapy Association
Programs
Council on Education for Public Health
Programs
National Association of Schools of Theatre

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
22577870213875346

San Francisco State University Campus Location


415-338-2234
Telephone
1600 Holloway Avenue
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Book Store
  • Shopping Mall
  • Airport

Book Store

SFSU Bookstore0.06 km
C V Products0.66 km
Comix Experience Outpost1.17 km
Book Store2.37 km
Show More

Airport

SF Classic Limo Service1.29 km
West Sunset RC Flying Field3.41 km
A2 Global Shipping6.87 km
MUrgency Inc. (Airport Assistance; Tech Innovation Incubator; & Quaternary Referral Clinics)7.18 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

Sunglass Hut0.66 km
Stonestown Galleria0.69 km
Proactiv Kiosk0.72 km
Lakeshore Plaza1.65 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


Found 1 Comment

P
patrus
May 26, 2023 10:45
I want to know the Admission requirements for MBA in Business Analytics with all fees details
A
Ashish Ramtari
May 31, 2023 12:02

The admissions requirements of SFSU MBA Business Analytics are given below:

  • GMAT score (minimum 605)
  • IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE scores
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.2

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