Most
Affordable Colleges in San Francisco in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Francisco, CA offers access to a dynamic economy and diverse industries. Typical coursework includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. Students build analytical, communication, and leadership skills through projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resources specialists, operations managers, or business consultants. Popular local options also include San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and Golden Gate University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in San Francisco, CA, combines coursework in research methods, statistics, cognition, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology with opportunities to explore the city's diverse communities. Popular options include the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Graduates may pursue entry-level work as research assistants, case managers, or human resources specialists; advanced study can prepare students for counseling or clinical careers, though licensure requires graduate education and supervised experience. Programs emphasize ethical practice.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Francisco, CA combines programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through projects, internships, and collaboration with the region's technology community. Popular local options include the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and City College of San Francisco. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, web developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or computer and information research scientists, too.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in San Francisco, CA, can prepare you to support individuals, families, and communities. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, ethics, group therapy, and practicum experience. Popular options include San Francisco State University, University of San Francisco, and California Institute of Integral Studies. Graduates may pursue roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or substance use counselor, depending on degree and licensure requirements in schools and community agencies.

Nursing

Studying nursing in San Francisco, CA offers pathways from associate to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, community health, and supervised clinical practice. Options include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco, and UCSF for advanced nursing study. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, or health agencies, with roles shaped by licensure and degree level.

Best Colleges in San Francisco, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 22,618.0, compared with 59,490.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the overall median substantially lower.
• An average of 98.5% of students receive financial aid, versus 67.83% at top-10% schools. The average acceptance rate is also 67.83%, the same figure as the top-10% schools' average financial-aid percentage.
• Schools receive an average of 11,132.17 applicants, compared with 26,554.5 at top-10% schools. The median number of applicants is 2,839.5 men and 3,732.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,290.0 on the SAT and 29.0 on the ACT. Average enrollment is 5,530.5 students, with average enrolled counts of 303.8 men and 352.5 women.
• The average graduation rate is 57.8%, compared with 72.4% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 57.0% for men and 63.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 2 offer associate's degrees, 9 bachelor's degrees, 8 master's degrees, and 4 doctor's degrees. There are 8 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and available financial aid, and weigh those against acceptance rates, applicant numbers, test scores, enrollment, graduation outcomes, degree offerings, and school type. The top-10% figures show higher median costs and graduation rates, but lower average financial-aid coverage than the overall figures.

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

Based on the available averages, a degree in San Francisco, CA, typically comes with an estimated total cost of $32,164.67. Your actual bill will depend on the school, program, and living choices, but this figure offers a useful starting point as you plan.

At schools such as San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco, compare tuition with housing and other costs; campus and off-campus choices can shape your budget. The reported averages are:

• Tuition and fees: $32,912.89
• Room and board cost: $20,772.67
• Books and supplies cost: $1,163.17

These reported averages are a starting point, so check each institution's current cost information before deciding. To make planning manageable, estimate housing, transportation, and personal expenses, then explore grants, scholarships, and financial aid. San Francisco offers diverse academic communities, and comparing options can help you find a degree path that fits your goals, budget, and circumstances as you move forward.

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

Most bachelor's degrees in San Francisco take about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two. At San Francisco State University or the University of San Francisco, your actual timeline can vary with your major, course availability, and whether you attend full time. City College of San Francisco can be a lower-cost starting point for an associate degree or transfer pathway.

Ways to finish sooner include bringing in AP or IB credits, transferring eligible college coursework, taking summer classes, and choosing an accelerated program. Meet an adviser early to map prerequisites and avoid missed course sequences; a balanced schedule can help you move forward without burnout.

Graduation rates offer a useful reality check: reported schools average 57.8%, compared with 72.4% for the top 10%. Average rates are 53.2% for men and 61.0% for women. These figures show many students do earn degrees, though completion isn't automatic.

Salary

After graduating from college in San Francisco, a useful benchmark is a median alumni salary of $45,941 a year. Graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary have a median of about $67,873.

Your own earnings can vary substantially by field, degree level, experience, and employer. San Francisco offers a range of study options - including San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California, San Francisco - so it's worth comparing programs and the careers they prepare you for. Reaching that higher salary range can be an encouraging goal as you plan your next step.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in San Francisco?

Costs depend on the school, residency, and whether you mean tuition alone or the full cost of attendance. At City College of San Francisco, California residents generally pay $46 per unit before additional fees and expenses. Eligible San Francisco residents may qualify for the Free City program, which covers enrollment fees; books, supplies, and other costs may remain.

What college in San Francisco has the lowest tuition?

For many local students, City College of San Francisco (CCSF) can be the lowest-cost option: its California-resident enrollment fee is $46 per unit, and eligible San Francisco residents may have those fees covered through Free City. Eligibility and other charges matter, so check what applies to you. CCSF offers a welcoming way to begin college affordably.

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

For a student living in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University offers a local route to a degree without leaving the city. Its enrollment is 22,579, with a 50% graduation rate and a 96% acceptance rate. Reported total study cost is $18,684, while median alumni salary is $48,372. SFSU is a public university. Living nearby may help you connect coursework with the region's employers and cultural life while evaluating commuting and housing costs for your studies and campus life.

EDvance College gives San Francisco, CA, students another local option to investigate when choosing a degree or program. The supplied figures list a 100% acceptance rate and a total study cost of $12,000; enrollment, graduation rate, and median alumni salary are not available. The college may appeal to students seeking an alternative to a large university, but compare the specific credential, course schedule, and student services. Staying in San Francisco can make commuting and access to the city's workplaces relevant.

Golden Gate University is a San Francisco-based institution that may suit students seeking a degree in an urban setting. Its enrollment is 3,098, and the total cost of studying is $11,088. Acceptance and graduation rates are unavailable, so use those gaps as prompts to ask the admissions office about outcomes and selectivity. Median alumni salary is $79,707, the highest figure among five schools. For a San Francisco, CA, resident, its city location can make balancing study with work worth exploring.

Minerva University offers San Francisco, CA, students an option among the five schools, with an enrollment of 586 and an exceptionally selective 3% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $21,630; graduation rate and median alumni salary are not available in the supplied figures. The university is associated with an internationally oriented, technology-enabled educational model, so investigate how its learning format fits your goals. If you live in San Francisco, compare its location, housing needs, and study arrangements before applying.

California Institute of Integral Studies is a San Francisco institution offering an academic identity from a conventional university. Its enrollment is 1,874, total study cost is $22,618, and median alumni salary is $45,941. The supplied data do not provide acceptance or graduation rates, so prospective students should request figures and program-specific outcomes. For someone studying in San Francisco, CA, the city setting may be convenient, but compare tuition, transportation, and housing expenses alongside the program's curriculum and degree requirements.