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Colleges / CA / San Francisco
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San Francisco State University

Public San Francisco, CA · Urban · Far West · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$68,077
Earnings (10yr)
$12,278
Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

San Francisco State University has a remarkable acceptance rate of 96%. This means that nearly all applicants receive an offer to join the university. With an enrollment of over 18,600 students, it creates a diverse and vibrant campus community in the heart of San Francisco.

The college experience at San Francisco State can lead to significant earnings after graduation. Graduates earn an average of $68,077 within ten years of completing their degree. While the graduation rate sits at 50%, many students benefit from financial support, with 42% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. This financial aid can be crucial for students from lower-income backgrounds seeking upward mobility.

In terms of cost, the net price for attending San Francisco State is $12,278, and the median debt for graduates is $15,371. The combination of affordability and earning potential makes this university appealing to students who are ready to engage in programs like Business, Psychology, and Health Professions. Those who thrive here are likely to be motivated individuals looking to take advantage of the urban setting and diverse opportunities available.

Rankings

How San Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$68KNet Price$12KRetention83%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate42%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$23K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1007.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3470.7%MOBILITY349.55%

Cost & Financial Aid

$7,950
In-State Tuition
$20,550
Out-of-State
$12,278
Avg Net Price
$15,371
Median Debt
42%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,341
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,867
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,825
Family Income $48K–$75K
$22,523
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$52,650
6 Years After Entry
$60,831
8 Years
$68,077
10 Years
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
68%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$52,650 6yr $60,831 8yr $68,077 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

349.55%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3470.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1007.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$87,200
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.80
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.94
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 96%
Retention Rate 83%
Full-Time Faculty 53%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,199
Diversity Index 0.75
First-Gen Students 48%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 19%
Visual & Performing Arts 10%
Psychology 9%
Biology & Biomedical 7%
Health Professions 7%
Computer Science & IT 7%
Social Sciences 7%
Communications 7%