About San Francisco State University
Founded in 1857, San Francisco State University is a major public urban university. It promotes equality and community inclusion, empowering students to pursue their dreams. Not only are students held to high expectations, but they are also offered the support needed to reach these expectations. Social justice is at SF State’s core with a community of equity and inclusion. The University offers “comprehensive, rigorous, and integrated academic programs” that lead students to “become productive, ethical, active citizens with a global perspective.”
Fueled by innovation, San Francisco State University offers bachelor’s degrees in over 75 academic areas and master’s degrees in over 60. Certificate programs and doctorate degrees are also available. Some of these degrees, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, are offered online. Like on campus, SF State’s online degrees are culturally and socially enriching.
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Accreditation & Licensing
San Francisco State University is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
3,572Fully Online Graduate Students:
9%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$15,371Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
63%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,110Credit for Military Training:
YesTuition is about $20,550 per year, which helps you plan total cost early. Building a clear class plan each term can help you finish on time.
Students describe a positive overall experience, with strong professors and a supportive learning environment. That can make it easier to keep your pace steady through graduation.
The map library gives geography students a place to study during the week. Spaces like this can support consistent study habits and help protect your time to finish.
At San Francisco State University, support often feels quick and personal. Many instructors are responsive and follow through when students need help.
Advising and day-to-day guidance feel present in the learning experience. Students describe a supportive environment with staff who are easy to approach.
The Geography map library is a concrete help point for study and connection. It gives students a reliable place to meet, work, and get unstuck.
Online classes at San Francisco State can feel people-centered. In Psychology, students often describe instructors as attentive and engaged. That kind of teaching helps online classes feel active and personal.
Course quality can differ from class to class. Some courses feel stronger and more current than others. Class availability can also shape your pace. When key classes are full, progress may slow and plans may need to shift.
Classes feel strongest when professors stay active and know their students. Many instructors bring real-world experience into class, which makes lessons practical and clear.
Workload and class quality can vary by department. Some programs face tighter resources, like fewer lecturers and older equipment in Film. Course access can also shape your pace when key classes fill fast.
Students still describe a positive learning experience overall. Diversity and community in class can make discussion richer and help students feel supported as they learn.
San Francisco State University offers a mostly positive student experience. A clear strength is faculty support. Many professors are engaged, helpful, and active in day-to-day classes. Students also build real connections with peers.
Spaces like the Geography map library support group study and shared learning. Quality can vary by department and by instructor. In Film, some students report larger lecture cuts and older equipment. In Computer Science, upper-division course quality may differ from class to class.
Getting into needed sections can also slow progress when classes fill quickly. For online learners, strong instructor presence appears in Psychology courses too. Some online classes rely more on static materials than live interaction. Cost is not the main note for most students, but daily parking fees around $10 can still add up over time.
San Francisco State University offers a mostly positive student experience. A clear strength is faculty support. Many professors are engaged, helpful, and active in day-to-day classes. Students also build real connections with peers.
Spaces like the Geography map library support group study and shared learning. Quality can vary by department and by instructor. In Film, some students report larger lecture cuts and older equipment. In Computer Science, upper-division course quality may differ from class to class.
Getting into needed sections can also slow progress when classes fill quickly. For online learners, strong instructor presence appears in Psychology courses too. Some online classes rely more on static materials than live interaction. Cost is not the main note for most students, but daily parking fees around $10 can still add up over time.
Online Programs offered by San Francisco State University
All Programs
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco State University
Is San Francisco State University accredited?
Yes. San Francisco State University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does San Francisco State University offer?
San Francisco State University offers 5 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does San Francisco State University offer?
San Francisco State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at San Francisco State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is San Francisco State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, San Francisco State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at San Francisco State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask San Francisco State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most San Francisco State University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.0.
Is San Francisco State University military friendly?
San Francisco State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from San Francisco State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for San Francisco State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does San Francisco State University accept life experience credit?
San Francisco State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are San Francisco State University programs fully online or mixed?
San Francisco State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does San Francisco State University offer?
San Francisco State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any San Francisco State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for San Francisco State University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do any San Francisco State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at San Francisco State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For San Francisco State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare San Francisco State University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a San Francisco State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
San Francisco State University is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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