Campus Identity
San Francisco State University is a large public university in San Francisco, CA. Approximately 18,639 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 3 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 53/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
San Francisco State University is a large public university in San Francisco, CA. Approximately 18,639 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 3 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 53/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D2
California Collegiate Athletic Association
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Beach Access
3 miles
Ocean Beach SF, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
55°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California
California
California
Beach Town
Ocean Beach SF, CA
Ocean access within 2.7 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · San Francisco, CA
Station: SAN FRANCISCO OCEANSIDE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,742 | $17,622 |
| Fees | $1,562 | $1,562 |
| Room & Board | $16,550 | $16,550 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,854 | $35,734 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
220 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is San Francisco State University located?
San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, CA. The main campus address is 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at San Francisco State University?
San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%, making it accessible. Out of 28,221 applicants, 27,215 were admitted in the most recent year. 18,639 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend San Francisco State University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, San Francisco State University charges $5,742/year for in-state students and $17,622/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($16,550/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $19,184/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use San Francisco State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for San Francisco State University?
The undergraduate application fee at San Francisco State University is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does San Francisco State University have college sports?
Yes — San Francisco State University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is San Francisco State University the right fit for me?
Whether San Francisco State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (96% admit rate), cost ($17,622/year out-of-state), campus culture in San Francisco, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh San Francisco State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with San Francisco State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- California Collegiate Athletic Association
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 55°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 53/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Francisco, CA (SFO) · 9 mialso OAK (14 mi), SQL (19 mi)
Location
San Francisco, CA