Overview of San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a public institution in San Francisco State. CA. The institution has a large selection of 77 undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the San Francisco State Gators play in the NCAA Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 29,586 (26,498 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 44 percent male/56 percent female
• 84 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $7,266 (in-state); $19,146 (out-of-state)
• Books: $2,002
• Room and Board: $14,384
• Other Expenses: $2,568
• Total Cost: $26,220 (in-state); $38,100 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 81 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 74 percent
  • Loans: 42 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $8,910
  • Loans: $6,512

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Social Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 80 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 5 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 22 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 55 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Wrestling
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of San Francisco State University Admissions

San Francisco State University, which accepts nearly three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data             

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, San Francisco State had an acceptance rate of 72%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 72 students gained admission, making SFSU’s admissions process moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 90% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals the most of SFSU’s students score within the bottom 29% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to San Francisco State scored between 480 and 590 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 480 and 25% scored over 590. 50% of students scored between 470 and 570 on the math part, while 25% scored under 470, and 25% scored over 570. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1160 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at San Francisco State.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 25% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of SFSU’s students score within the bottom 32% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to San Francisco State received a cumulative ACT score between 17 and 23, while 25% scored over 23, and 25% scored under 17.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA for  San Francisco State first-year students was 3.26. This data suggests that successful applicants to SFSU have B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for San Francisco State University, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If San Francisco State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University Fresno, California State University Stanislaus, California State University Bakersfield, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for San Francisco State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

California State University Monterey Bay, La Salle University, Liberty University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Radford University, University of Texas at El Paso, Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than San Francisco State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Washington State University

Applying to San Francisco State University

Application Deadline: November 30

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

http://bulletin.sfsu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://grad.sfsu.edu/content/apply

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/graduate