About San Francisco State University

Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 25,945 full time undergraduate students, and 3,100 full time graduate students.

The San Francisco State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 23:1. There are 856 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at San Francisco State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate68%
Application Deadline
Application Fee55
SAT Range860-1090
ACT Range18-24

Admissions at SFSU are considered Selective, with ,64% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at San Francisco State University.

San Francisco State University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    219 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    229 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    288 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    290 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    292 Students rated class size 3.3 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    292 Students rated school activities 3.4 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    295 Students rated local services 4 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    291 Students rated academics 3.6 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of San Francisco State University?

143 Students rated San Francisco State University

Ritallynn - 12/29/2023

San Francisco State University (SFSU) has been an incredible journey for me as a BASW student. The atmosphere is incredibly inviting, creating a warm and inclusive environment. The campus stands out for its remarkable diversity, welcoming individuals from all ethnic backgrounds. One of the standout features of SFSU is its commitment to supporting students. The university understands the challenges students may face, and the provision of a food pantry, a clothing room, and facilities for showers demonstrates a dedication to student well-being. Access to laundry soap, showering supplies, and housing resources further underscores the university's holistic support system. The professors at SFSU are not just educators; they are mentors who genuinely care about their students' success. They make themselves available during office hours and beyond, offering additional support when needed. The sense of community within the social work cohort is profound. We've formed a tight-knit family, supporting each other through various life events, from baby showers to surprise birthday parties. The campus environment is uniquely relaxed, and people are friendly just because, creating a welcoming atmosphere which was a decisive factor in why I chose SFSU. The genuine and supportive community here has made my educational experience truly enriching. I also had the option of going to UC Berkeley, University of San Diego and UCLA. I chose SFSU hands down because it is truly a remarkable University. I am pleased with my decision to attend SFSU and when I'm there, I feel like I am at home away from home.

james - 08/04/2023

I personally enjoy my time on campus as the activities and clubs I am a part of contribute to the furthering of my education. The campus being so close to the major city also allows for lots of applicable classes since most of the learning on campus can be applied one way or another to the city of San Francisco.

Emmanuel - 07/13/2023

San Francisco State University is a great school with big opportunities for students

Julianna - 01/15/2023

San Francisco State exposed me to such a wide diverse group of people and passionate professors/faculty that inspired me to work as hard as I did during my undergrad years. That's exactly why I am applying to this same school for my master's in social work! The campus, though not as big as other schools, is beautiful with green scenery and so many opportunities for social activities in organizations as well.

San Francisco State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at San Francisco State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for San Francisco State University is 68%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    try even harder to get in to a better school, or even get in to the same school again. but just try harder than now in order for more choices.

    Read all  273 answers
  3. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Very liberal open-minded campus, quite racially diverse.

    Read all  92 answers
  4. Describe the students at your school.

    People who are inteligent but have been given the short hand of the stick in regards to their educational oppertunities.

    Read all  90 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    With the current budget cuts, classes have become more difficult to add. The professors cant help and neither can advisors. The problem lies with where the money from the government is being distributed (like to the remodeling of our perfectly already fine library) instead of hiring more educators.

    Read all  59 answers
  6. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    SFSU is a great school filled with many wonderful people.

    Read all  57 answers
  7. What are the academics like at your school?

    They are very versitile. You can become a social worker, be a bio major, study economics, it is all up to you.

    Read all  54 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    One of the most popular student activities is the M.E.Ch.A club. They integrate our community in their activities and provide services. They also want students to gain awareness of upcoming protests and school related events.

    Read all  54 answers
  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about my school is the student body being so spirited and outgoing. There's always something going on, some campus or student event. There's always something to do.

    Read all  53 answers
  10. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    SFSU is usually just dubbed as a commuter school where it is hard to meet people.

    Read all  52 answers
  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Wanna finish and make Lots $$$$$

    Read all  51 answers
  12. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    1) Yes, SFSU's business courses are hard to get and is overfilled. 2) Some of SFSU's students are slackers, but there are also many great hard-working students as well.

    Read all  50 answers
  13. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known more about the different art majors. At SFSU we have both a Broadcasting major and a Film major and I was not aware of the difference until I started going to the school, which meant I had to change my major my sophmore year. I also wish I would have known about life outside of campus more, although discovering things about the city on my own and with my friends has been quite a journey.

    Read all  44 answers
  14. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Having students from all over the world. We have many students that travel abroad to San Francisco State University.

    Read all  42 answers
  15. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Anybody who appreciates a school that is administered in a competent and efficient manner should not attend this school.

    Read all  41 answers
  16. What kind of person should attend this school?

    If you are planning to attend SF State, then make sure you bring a lot of jackets. It can get very cold here, especially when the fog comes in. With that aside, you should be a person who's open to meeting people from different countries. SF State has a lot of people from all over the world, but mainly with a huge Asian foreign student body. So if you want to know more about how life is, let's say in Japan, come to SF State and I guarantee you'll meet someone from Japan.

    Read all  40 answers
  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Free shuttle, a fun and laid back yet competitive school.

    Read all  35 answers
  18. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Generally it is not the school's fault, but with the California Budget Cuts, school is sometimes a difficult environment to have fun it. Many opprotunities that have been offered prior to the cuts are no longer available to the students. We pay more for less and it's very disheartening.

    Read all  30 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Students are typically laid back/chill. Most students do what they have to do to get by in their classes, not necessarily high in academics. Due to the budget cuts to the state university, teachers care less about their students, which in turn lowers the student morale and gives this negative academic energy.

    Read all  3 answers
  20. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    The Vista Room is a fine dining restaurant in on the fourth floor of one of the dorm buildings at San Francisco State Un

    Read all  2 answers
  21. Where is the best place to get work done on campus?

    People usually go to the annex (which is our substitution library since they are building a new one). There is a brand new library being built right now.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

56%

female

44%

male

25,945

Total Undergrad Enrollment

3,100

Total Grad Students

1%

Out-Of-State

96%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

206

Student Organizations

11

Fraternities

17

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

9%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
27%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
30%
% White or Caucasian
19%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

76% of students attending San Francisco State University receive some sort of financial aid. 48% were awarded federal grants. While 41% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$17,644

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,900

Books and Supplies

$13,882

Room and Board

33,426

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$9,598
$30 - $48K
$11,085
$48 - $75K
$15,294
$75 - $110K
$19,531
$110K & UP
$21,936

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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