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Government-Verified Education Data

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$52,650

Acceptance Rate

96%

Graduation Rate

52%

Annual Tuition

$7,424

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry — 26% above the national median. Acceptance rate 96.2%, in-state tuition $7,424.

At a Glance

Total Students

20,033

Retention Rate

84%

Faculty Ratio

16

Financial Aid

25%

Median Debt

$15,371

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

San Francisco State University is a public institution with a large student body of over 20,000. The university has a high acceptance rate of 96.2%, and 83.7% of students return for their second year. The graduation rate is 52.3%. The net price for in-state tuition is $7,424.

Graduates of San Francisco State University report earnings of $41,145 one year after graduation, $52,650 after five years, and $68,077 after ten years. The median debt for students is $15,371, and 25.4% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$41k

1 YEAR

$53k

5 YEARS

$68k

10 YEARS

Top 26% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, San Francisco State University alumni earn a median salary of $41,145. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $52,650, and after ten years, the median salary is $68,077. The median debt for graduates is $15,371. A quarter of students receive financial aid.

San Francisco State University has a high acceptance rate of 96.2%, but a graduation rate of only 52.3%. The retention rate is 83.7%. The in-state tuition is $7,424. The student population is 20,033.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 1,570 / yr
Median Salary $105,754

Psychology, General

Graduates 452 / yr
Median Salary $34,803

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 414 / yr
Median Salary $40,790

Biology, General

Graduates 376 / yr
Median Salary $36,259

Criminal Justice and Corrections

Graduates 253 / yr
Median Salary $42,211

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Graduates 232 / yr
Median Salary $18,654

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 218 / yr
Median Salary $26,176

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 213 / yr
Median Salary $36,450

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 201 / yr
Median Salary $73,845

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Graduates 192 / yr
Median Salary $28,753

Design and Applied Arts

Graduates 153 / yr
Median Salary $34,845

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 153 / yr
Median Salary $129,691

Political Science and Government

Graduates 137 / yr
Median Salary $36,502

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Graduates 130 / yr
Median Salary $32,112

Education, General

Graduates 126 / yr
Median Salary $65,425

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

Graduates 121 / yr
Median Salary $31,001

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 119 / yr
Median Salary $24,606

Sociology

Graduates 114 / yr
Median Salary $40,763

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 97 / yr
Median Salary $72,647

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

Graduates 94 / yr
Median Salary $47,367

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services

Graduates 94 / yr
Median Salary $81,670

History

Graduates 90 / yr
Median Salary $28,718

International Relations and National Security Studies

Graduates 89 / yr
Median Salary $31,254

Economics

Graduates 81 / yr
Median Salary $46,310

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Campus Location

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, CA 94132

San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, California. The campus is in a city setting.

All Colleges in California ROI Analysis Affordable in California Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96.2%.