Think forward and lead boldly in San Francisco!
San Francisco State University (SFSU) is one of the oldest public research universities in the United States. It is a part of the largest system of higher education, i.e., the California State University (CSU). The institution grants bachelor's and master's degrees to aspiring students.
Interestingly, SFSU began as a school for local educators but is currently the study destination for nearly 30,000 students who enroll each year. The university has more than 275,000 graduates.
The SFSU acceptance rate is 90%, and the university holds a strong reputation for academic diversity and social mobility.
San Francisco State University is one of the top public universities in the San Francisco area of the United States. Established in 1899, it is rated among the top 25 most diverse universities by USA Today. Currently, the San Francisco state ranking is 9 in the visual and performing arts category according to the Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine.
The main campus of the university spans over 144 acres. With its vibrant location, students have access to cultural events, food spots, and iconic attractions, making it easy to explore some of the best things to do in San Francisco.
You will find multiple bus stops and on-campus bike parking facilities within the campus.
You will find several programs that align with your ambitions when exploring San Francisco State University courses.
Currently, the university offers 77 bachelor’s and 63 master’s degree programs. It also provides 57 certificate programs, 16 credential programs, and doctoral programs, including Ph.D. and clinical doctorates.
The following section discusses San Francisco State University graduate, postgraduate, and other courses in detail.
San Francisco University offers over 77 undergraduate courses, and some of them are listed in the table below:
Program Name | Duration |
|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies | 4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 4 years |
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing | 4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | 4 years |
Bachelor of Arts in French | 4 years |
Bachelor of Arts in Bilingual Spanish Journalism | 4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics | 4 years |
Cal San Francisco State university also offers 63 master’s degree programs, and the most common ones are listed in the table below:
Program Name | Duration |
|---|---|
Master of Science in Accountancy | 2 years |
Master of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics | 2 years |
Master of Arts in Chinese | 2 years |
Master of Science in Data Science | 2 years |
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education | 2 years |
Master of Science in Nursing | 2 years |
Master of Science in Kinesiology | 2 years |
Master of Arts in Mathematics | 2 years |
The San Francisco State University rating is quite high, making it a top-ranked university in San Francisco. It also has specific requirements for students to fulfill ahead of the admission process. Let’s learn more about the details of SFSU admissions:
Application: Complete online application; $70 fee (low-income California may receive a fee waiver).
Academic Records:
Graduate from high school or GED equivalent
Complete the required college preparatory courses with a grade of C or better
California high school graduate or resident: 2.5 GPA or better
Non-California resident: 3.0 GPA or better
Application: Complete online application; $70 fee (low-income California may receive a fee waiver).
Academic Records:
Graduate from high school or GED equivalent
Complete the required college preparatory courses with a grade of C or better
California high school graduate or resident: 2.5 GPA or better
Non-California resident: 3.0 GPA or better
San Francisco Cal State University provides intake options for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Please note that the application deadlines differ by term and program. Here’s an overview of the upcoming application deadlines for Fall and Spring 2025:
Application and Admitted Student Deadlines | Date |
|---|---|
Application Opens | October 1, 2024 |
Application Priority Deadline (Impacted Majors) | December 2, 2024 |
Application Deadline | Extended to April 1, 2025 |
Spring Term Transcripts Due for Eligibility Check | No later than March 15, 2025 (Two weeks after admission) |
International Application Deadline | May 1, 2025 |
Deadline for Admission Offer Acceptance and Pay Enrollment Confirmation Deposit | May 1, 2025 |
Final Official Transcripts Due | July 15, 2025 |
Returning Student Application Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
Fall 2025 Semester Begins | August 2025 |
Application and Admitted Student Deadlines | Date |
|---|---|
Application Opens | August 1, 2024 |
Application Priority Deadline (Impacted Majors) | August 31, 2024 |
Application Closes | September 30, 2024 |
Fall Term Transcripts Due for Eligibility Check | No later than March 15, 2025 (Two weeks after admission) |
Returning Student Application Deadline | November 30, 2024 |
Deadline for Admission Offer Acceptance and Pay Enrollment Confirmation Deposit | December 1, 2024 |
Final Official Transcripts Due | January 15, 2025 |
Spring 2025 Semester Begins | January 2025 |
Ready to enroll in the San Francisco State major courses of your choice? Follow the steps mentioned below to be on track:
Visit calsate site.
Select the term of your choice.
Click on ‘Apply Now.’
Create an account for admission to San Francisco by filling out the required information.
Sign in to your new account on the California State University Portal.
Submit the required documents.
Pay your application fee for the SFSU majors or other certification programs.
You must be clear about the expenses you are going to bear after your admission to San Francisco University for better financial management. Here are the details of the tuition fees for 2025–2026, along with other additional expenses.
Cost Type | On Campus | Off Campus | Living At Home |
|---|---|---|---|
Tuition Fees (7 units or greater) | $8,256 | $8,256 | $8,256 |
Housing | $18,270 | $15,030 | 0 |
Food | $5,620 | $7,560 | $11,826 |
Books and Supplies | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,100 |
Transportation | $1,512 | $1,980 | $1,764 |
Personal Expenses | $2,592 | $4,014 | $4,140 |
Loan Fee | $62 | $62 | $62 |
TOTAL | $37,412 | $38,002 | $27,148 |
Cost Type | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
Tuition Fees (7 units or greater) | $9,870 | $9,870 |
Housing | $18,270 | $15,030 |
Food | $5,620 | $7,560 |
Books and Supplies | $1,100 | $1,100 |
Transportation | $1,512 | $1,980 |
Personal Expenses | $2,592 | $4,014 |
Loan Fee | $146 | $146 |
TOTAL | $39,110 | $39,700 |
San Francisco State University offers several scholarship and federal financial aid (FAFSA) opportunities to meritorious students or those who need financial assistance.
The following table lists common scholarships provided to students pursuing various San Francisco State University degrees.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Bengier Foundation University Scholarship | Major in Mathematics or Physics, History, and Philosophy | $4,000 |
Bernice Ruben Arnold Scholarship Fund | Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing | $5,000 |
Community College Transfer Honor Scholarship | Junior from a California Community College for the 2021-2022 academic year | $2,000 |
Sylvan and Donna Kline Guardian Scholars Memorial Scholarship | Any undergraduate | $2,000 |
Zoe Yan-Xu Muffly Scholarship Fund | Students who are the first in their family to attend college and need financial aid | Up to $15,000 for 2 years |
Amber Scholar | Statement of Purpose defining why you need scholarship funding to study outside | $12,000 (for international students) |
San Francisco State University is the best place to begin your future if you want to pursue academic excellence and avail yourself of some additional opportunities. You’ll have access to a unique campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure, inspiring faculty, and real-world learning. However, finding the right place to live is just as important as choosing the right course at SFSU.
That’s where Amber comes in to help with all your housing needs. From shared apartments to cozy studios, Amber allows you to focus on settling in and making the most of your time in San Francisco. You also get easy access to campus, local eateries, and transportation facilities. Moreover, you have the flexibility to live on your terms with several off-campus housing options.
Book your perfect housing near San Francisco State University today!
1. Upmarket Residence
2. 1080 Folsom Residences
3. June Homes 94108
4. 2436 Mission Residences
To be eligible for admission to San Francisco State University (SFSU), applicants must have graduated from high school (or hold a GED) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. SAT or ACT scores are not required, but may be submitted optionally as part of the application.
Yes, international students are eligible to apply for campus-based scholarships at SFSU, including awards such as the Amber Scholar Fund. However, they are not eligible for federal financial aid (such as FAFSA) or many need-based scholarships. Most scholarships are competitive and limited, so early and proactive applications are strongly recommended.
San Francisco State University offers a range of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suite-style accommodations, and apartment-style living. Gender-inclusive housing and accommodations for students with families are also available.
Yes, SFSU offers numerous research and experiential learning opportunities through its centralized Experiences Hub. This platform connects students with faculty-led projects across various disciplines, particularly in STEM fields, and includes classroom-based research, independent study, summer programs, and community-engaged scholarly activities.
SFSU features a vibrant and inclusive campus life, with around 200 student organizations, a full-service student government, diverse student-run media, and wellness facilities that include a pool, climbing wall, sauna, and fitness classes. The student center regularly hosts events, clubs, a food pantry, and student lounges, creating a supportive environment.