San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California

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Embark on your educational journey at San Francisco State University, a vibrant public institution offering a comprehensive and exceptional learning experience. SFSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, and international students like yourself will find a welcoming community.

Mission and Vision: These recent developments align seamlessly with San Francisco State University’s mission to cultivate a community of engaged scholars dedicated to intellectual discovery and global citizenship. By integrating new programs and facilities, the university enhances its capacity to fulfill its vision of fostering academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.

Indian Students Focus: San Francisco University has implemented specialised support programs tailored to Indian students. These initiatives include culturally sensitive counseling services, academic advising tailored to Indian curriculum backgrounds, and vibrant student organisations that celebrate Indian culture. Such efforts not only ensure a smooth transition for Indian students but also promote a richly inclusive campus atmosphere where all students can thrive.

Latest Updates: San Francisco State University recently launched the Global Gateway Program, designed to provide international students with tailored support services and cultural immersion opportunities. This program aligns perfectly with SFSU's mission of preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world.

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Key Highlights of San Francisco State University

Feature Description

Established

1899

Founder

Public Institution

University Type

Public

University Motto

Experientia Docet — Experience Teaches 

University City

San Francisco, California

Acceptance Rate

91%

Faculty to Student Ratio

1:20

Endowment

$140.8 Million

Campus Size

142 Acres

Graduation Rate

55%

Employment Rate

87%

Official Website Link

San Francisco State University

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Rankings & Recognition of San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University has received recognition for its academic quality and commitment to student success. Here's a breakdown of San Francisco State University rankings and accreditations:

Global Rankings:

  • list items Global: QS World University Rankings: #1201-1400 (2025)
  • list items According to Times Higher Education (THE), San Francisco State University is ranked in the 401-500 range global

National Rankings:

  • list items National: #234 (2024)
  • list items US News & World Report places SFSU at #178 among National Universities in the United States3.
  • list items In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, it ranks #178 nationally.
  • list items EduRank.org lists it as #174 in the United States and #559 globally.

Subject-wise Rankings:

  • list items Top Public Schools - #89
  • list items Best Colleges in the West - #51
  • list items For Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, SFSU ranks 187th in the US and 688th globally with 10,574 publications and 239,260 citations.
  • list items Other subject rankings include Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Medicine, Engineering, Physics, and Psychology.

Accreditations:

  • list items Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

While SFSU doesn't have a specific global ranking, its placement in the QS World University Rankings indicates its standing among international institutions. The U.S. News & World Report recognises SFSU's overall quality and its performance within the public university system and Western region. Subject-specific rankings may be available for specific programs offered by SFSU.

The WASC accreditation is a mark of SFSU's adherence to educational standards and quality assurance practices. This accreditation is crucial for students as it ensures the transferability of credits and eligibility for federal financial aid.

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Campus Details of San Francisco State University 

San Francisco State University boasts a single campus situated in the vibrant city of San Francisco. The 144-acre campus offers a unique blend of urban energy and green spaces, providing a stimulating and diverse learning environment.

The campus location fosters easy access to internships, cultural institutions, and industry leaders in the Bay Area. Students can leverage these opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience and build their professional networks. The campus itself is a microcosm of the city, with a mix of modern buildings and historic architecture.

Campus services and facilities: The university provides a comprehensive range of student services, including academic advising, career counselling, health and wellness centres, and cultural centres. Students also have access to modern libraries, computer labs, and recreational facilities, including a fitness centre, swimming pool, and tennis courts.

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Programs Offered by San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen fields through a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs span various disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to business, science, and engineering. SFSU emphasises interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore connections between different fields of study.

Here are some of SFSU's popular programs:

Program Name Annual Tuition (Estimated) Intake

Business Administration (MBA)

$32,000

Fall & Spring

Computer Science

$28,000

Fall & Spring

Nursing (BSN)

$34,000

Fall Only

Journalism

$27,000

Fall & Spring

Cinema

$29,000

Fall & Spring

University Compare

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Admission Details for San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University admissions operate on a rolling basis, meaning applications are processed as they are received until program capacity is reached. However, international students are advised to submit their applications well in advance to allow ample time for processing. The application deadlines for upcoming intakes at San Francisco State University are as follows:

  • list items Fall Semester: December 15
  • list items Spring Semester: August 31

Admission Requirements for International Student

To be eligible for admission as an international freshman, you'll need to fulfil the following minimum requirements:

  • list items Complete the required A-G college preparatory courses with a grade of C- or better.
  • list items Meet the GPA requirements: 2.5 GPA for California residents or graduates of a California high school, and 2.47 GPA for non-California residents.
  • list items Graduate from high school (diploma or GED).
  • list items Demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • list items Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Step-by-Step Admission Process:

Step 1: Application: Submit the online application and application fee through the California State Apply website (https://www.calstate.edu/apply).

Step 2: Transcripts: Request official transcripts from all previously attended schools to be sent directly to SFSU.

Step 3: Test Scores (if applicable): Submit standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) if required by your chosen program.

Step 4: English Language Proficiency: Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

Step 5: Financial Support Documentation: Provide documentation to verify your financial support for studying in the US.

Step 6: Visa Application: Apply for a student visa if you require one to study in the United States.

Step 7: Admission Decision: Wait for the university's admission decision.

Step 8: Enrollment: If admitted, accept the offer of admission and pay the enrollment deposit to secure your place at SFSU.

Remember, these are general requirements. Specific programs may have additional requirements. It's always recommended to consult the SFSU website and contact the admissions office for the latest information and any program-specific details.

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Exams Accepted by San Francisco State University

   

Undergraduate Admissions

SATACT

Graduate Admissions

GRE, GMAT

Conditional Admission

TOEFLIELTSPTE

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Tuition Fees and Expenses at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University fees vary depending on your residency status, program level (undergraduate or graduate), and living arrangements. Here's a general breakdown:

Program Level

Residency Status

Estimated Tuition per Semester (Full-Time Enrollment)

Undergraduate

California Resident

$7,950

Non-California Resident

~$7,950 + $420.00 per unit

International Student

~$7,950 + $420.00 per unit

Graduate

California Resident

$9,474

Non-California Resident

$9,474 + $420.00 per unit

International Student

$9,474 + $420.00 per unit

Additional Expenses:

Category Estimated Cost

Housing

$8,000 - $19,000

Food

$4,000 - $6,000

Transportation

$1,000 - $1,500

Books & Supplies

$800 - $1,200

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Financial Aid & Scholarships by San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University recognises the financial challenges associated with higher education and offers a variety of financial aid options to help make your education affordable. These options include federal grants, state grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

  • list items Federal Grants: Pell Grants and FSEOG Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
  • list items State Grants: California residents may qualify for Cal Grants based on academic merit and financial need.
  • list items Scholarships: Scholarships are available from SFSU, private organisations, and alumni associations. These awards are based on academic merit, financial need, major field of study, and other criteria.
  • list items Work-Study: Through the Federal Work-Study program, students can earn money to help cover educational expenses by working part-time on or off campus.
Scholarship Name Eligibility Amount Deadline

John & Jane Doe Scholarship

Incoming freshmen with a GPA of 3.5+ and financial need

$5,000 per year

February 1st

SFSU Alumni Scholarship

Current SFSU students with a GPA of 3.7+ and demonstrated leadership

$2,500 per semester

May 1st

Diversity Achievement Scholarship

Underrepresented students with a GPA of 3.0+

Varies

Ongoing

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Jobs & Placement Opportunities by San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University boasts a strong commitment to career preparation and student success. Their Career Services department equips graduates with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the job market.

San Francisco State University's placement rate for graduates is quite high, with many securing employment soon after graduation. Career Services offers resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, job fairs, and employer networking events. They also provide personalised career counselling to help students identify career paths, develop their skills, and land their dream jobs.

Top Recruiters & Industries:

Industry Sector Top Recruiters Popular Programs with High ROI

Technology

Google, Facebook, Apple, Uber, Lyft

Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Kaiser Permanente, UCSF Medical Center, Sutter Health, Genentech, Amgen

Nursing, Public Health, Biochemistry

Finance & Business Services

Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Deloitte, EY

Business Administration, Accounting, Finance

Education

San Francisco Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District

Early Childhood Education, Special Education

Non-Profit & Government

City and County of San Francisco, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps

Public Administration, Social Work, Environmental Science

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Accommodation by San Francisco State University

Traditional Residence Halls:

Room Type Triple

Features Included

Utilities, On-Call Staff, Maintenance Services, Free Wi-Fi, Security

Agreement

Academic Year (AY) or Spring (SP)

Installments

10 (AY) or 5 (SP)

Meal Requirements

5256

Cost per Semester (Traditional Rate)

$6,255

Cost per Semester (Reduced Rate Program)

$2,470

Off-campus housing:

Category Estimated Cost

Housing

$14,724

Food

$7,506

Transportation

$1,962

Personal Expenses

$3,924

Total

$28,116

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San Francisco State University Notable Alumni 

Name Designation Achievements

Danny Glover

Actor and Activist

Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor

Annette Bening

Actress

Four-time Academy Award nominee

Rob Schneider

Actor and Comedian

Known for roles in "Saturday Night Live" and "Big Daddy"

Kirk Hammett

Musician (Metallica)

Grammy Award-winning guitarist

Alvin Ailey

Choreographer

Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

San Francisco State University empowers its students to become the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow. SFSU's commitment to social justice, academic excellence, and real-world experience prepares graduates to thrive in a dynamic global environment.

If you're looking for a transformative education in the heart of a vibrant city, SFSU could be your perfect fit. Explore the possibilities at San Francisco State University, contact the admissions office to discuss your academic goals, and don't forget to explore financing options through GyanDhan.

Check Your Loan Eligibility

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Frequently Asked Questions 

 
Where is San Francisco State University?
 

San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, California, USA.

What is the acceptance rate for international students?
 

The acceptance rate varies depending on the program, San Francisco State University acceptance rate is high (around 91%).

What are the admission requirements for international students?
 

International students should complete competitive high school coursework, meet minimum GPA requirements, demonstrate English proficiency, and submit transcripts.

Is SFSU good for international students?
 

Yes, SFSU offers a welcoming and diverse environment with support services for international students. Many programs are suitable for international students.

Are scholarships available for international students?
 

Yes, San Francisco State University scholarships and financial aid options for international students. You can explore them on the SFSU website.

How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?
 

Maintain a strong academic record, demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, and meet scholarship-specific requirements.

How to get admission to SFSU?
 

Apply through the California State Apply website, with the required documents like transcripts and test scores (if applicable).

What GPA is required for SFSU?
 

The minimum GPA requirement for California residents is 2.5, and 2.47 for non-residents. Specific programs may have higher standards.

 
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