Best
Colleges in San Francisco in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Francisco, CA, combines management, accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Programs often include teamwork, presentations, internships, and applied projects connected to the region's technology, nonprofit, and hospitality industries. Popular local options include the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and Golden Gate University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, project manager, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or management consultant across industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in San Francisco, California, explores cognition, behavior, development, research methods, and mental health. Courses commonly include statistics, experimental psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, abnormal psychology, and counseling fundamentals. Popular local options include San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco. Graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral technician, human resources specialist, or community outreach worker. Advanced clinical and counseling positions generally require graduate training and appropriate professional licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Francisco, CA combines theory with practical projects in a technology-rich region. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build problem-solving and teamwork skills through labs and group projects. Popular local options include the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and City College of San Francisco. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, or cybersecurity roles.

Counseling

Studying counseling in San Francisco offers preparation for helping individuals and communities through evidence-based care. Programs commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural counseling, group practice, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or case managers, depending on licensure and degree requirements. Popular local options include the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and California Institute of Integral Studies, which offer counseling-related programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in San Francisco offers preparation for patient care through classroom learning and clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community health. Popular local options include UCSF School of Nursing, University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and City College of San Francisco. Graduates may pursue roles as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care, or work in public health, school nursing, and outpatient settings.

Best Colleges in San Francisco, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 22,618, compared with 59,490.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-ranked group substantially more expensive.
• An average of 98.5% of students receive financial aid overall, compared with 67.83% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 67.83%, and schools receive an average of 11,132.17 applicants; schools in the top 10% receive an average of 26,554.5 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 2,839.5 for men and 3,732 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,290 on the SAT and 29 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,530.5. Average enrollment is 303.8 men and 352.5 women.
• The average graduation rate is 57.8%, compared with 72.4% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 57% for men and 63% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, nine offer bachelor's degrees, 10 offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• Eight schools are coeducational; there are zero schools for men and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and consider how competitive admissions are alongside the applicant pool and test-score averages. Also weigh graduation rates, enrollment, degree offerings, and whether a school's student population and coeducational setting suit your needs.

How much does studying at a college in San Francisco, CA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in San Francisco is $32,164.67. Treat this as a typical study-cost snapshot, not a guaranteed price for completing an entire multi-year degree: your total depends on program length, enrollment, and personal expenses. For a San Francisco student, this gives a useful starting point for budgeting while comparing local options such as San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco; their individual prices can differ from citywide averages.

The reported figures are:

• Average tuition and fees: $32,912.89
• Average room and board cost: $20,772.67
• Average books and supplies cost: $1,163.17

Notably, the tuition-and-fees average exceeds the reported total, so treat these as separately reported measures rather than adding them together. You can make budgeting feel manageable by checking campus estimates, financial-aid options, and housing or commuting costs before choosing a program. That preparation can help you compare options confidently with less stress overall.

How long does it take to finish college in San Francisco, CA?

Most full-time students in San Francisco take about four years to earn a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at City College of San Francisco typically takes two. At San Francisco State University or the University of San Francisco, part-time study, changing majors, or repeated courses can extend the timeline, so semester planning helps you feel confident.

Local graduation data show an average rate of 57.8%, meaning completion is achievable but not automatic; the average is 72.4% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 53.2% for men and 61.0% for women. These figures can help you compare outcomes, though individual colleges and programs differ.

To finish sooner, transfer eligible community-college credits, seek AP/IB credit, take summer classes, or choose an accelerated program. Ask advisers at City College, SFSU, or USF about transfer rules and course sequencing. A steady full-time schedule helps keep progress on track when seats and courses align.

Salary

Graduates in San Francisco, CA, earn a median alumni salary of about $45,941. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $67,873. These figures offer a useful starting point as you compare local options such as San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California, San Francisco; your own earnings can vary by field, degree, experience, and employer.

Studying in San Francisco can put you close to a wide range of employers and career opportunities, which may be exciting as you plan your next step. When comparing programs, look at the major you want, internship access, and each school's career support alongside these salary benchmarks.

People also ask

How many colleges are in San Francisco?

There isn't one fixed number, because counts depend on whether you include specialized schools and how you treat institutions with multiple campuses. San Francisco has roughly ten or more colleges and universities, including City College of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and UCSF. It's a notably varied set of options for students.

What is the main college in San Francisco?

There is no single official "main" college. San Francisco State University is a major public university, while the University of San Francisco is a well-known private university. City College of San Francisco offers community-college programs, and UCSF specializes in health sciences and graduate education. The best fit depends on what you want to study.

Where do college students go in San Francisco?

Students spend time near their campuses as well as in the city's shared hangouts. Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach are popular for outdoor breaks, while cafés, bookstores, and neighborhood restaurants make good study or meetup spots. Dolores Park, Japantown, and the Ferry Building are other inviting places to explore with friends.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in San Francisco, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of San Francisco offers a private university experience in San Francisco, CA, with 8,796 enrolled students. Its 70% graduation rate and 62% acceptance rate provide useful points of comparison as you consider academic fit. The listed total study cost is $59,950, while median alumni salary is $59,984. Set in a major city, the university may appeal if you want campus life alongside access to San Francisco's cultural and professional settings. Compare costs with your aid offer and intended field.

San Francisco State University is a large public university in San Francisco, CA, with 22,579 enrolled students. Its 96% acceptance rate may make it an accessible option to explore, while its 50% graduation rate offers context for evaluating student outcomes. The listed total cost of studying is $18,684, and median alumni salary is $48,372. For a student already based in San Francisco, the location can support commuting and engagement with the city. Review program options, fees, and financial aid before deciding.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a specialized music school in San Francisco, CA, with 439 enrolled students. Its 74% graduation rate and 55% acceptance rate help frame its small, focused learning environment. The listed total cost of studying is $54,400, and median alumni salary is $38,504. If you hope to pursue music in the city, consider how conservatory training aligns with your goals, performance interests, and budget. Compare available programs and financial aid before making a commitment to attend.

California College of the Arts is an arts-focused college in San Francisco, CA, enrolling 1,308 students. Its 61% graduation rate and 91% acceptance rate offer useful context as you assess fit and admissions prospects. The listed total cost of studying is $59,376, while median alumni salary is $34,508. Its creative focus may suit students seeking an education centered on art and design within a city known for varied cultural influences. Check specific program requirements, aid, and likely expenses before enrolling.

Minerva University is a small, selective university based in San Francisco, CA, with 586 enrolled students. Its 3% acceptance rate signals highly competitive admission. The listed total cost of studying is $21,630; graduation rate and median alumni salary are not available in the supplied data. Its compact size may appeal if you value a less traditional college setting in the city. Since outcomes data are incomplete, ask about program structure, student support, costs, and career services as you compare options.