Research.com
San Francisco Bay University logo

San Francisco Bay University

#2380 in US ranking Fremont, CA
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Cost

Tuition & fees
$8,830
Avg. aid
$10,509
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
96%

What is the history of San Francisco Bay University?

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) is a private university in Fremont, California, formerly known as Northwestern Polytechnic University. Founded in 1984, it developed around career-oriented study in engineering, technology, and business before adopting its current name.

The name change matters when comparing older records with current information: historical graduation figures, accreditation documents, and alumni records may use Northwestern Polytechnic University. Applicants should make sure a policy or statistic under either name applies to the same institution and to the year in which they plan to enroll.

What are the faculties and departments at San Francisco Bay University?

SFBU concentrates on business and technical fields rather than offering the broad range of departments found at a large comprehensive university. Its academic organization includes a School of Business and a School of Engineering, with undergraduate and graduate study in areas such as business administration, computer science, and engineering.

That specialization may suit students who already have a clear academic direction. Before applying, compare the current catalog's degree requirements, course sequence, and elective choices with your goals. A program title alone will not show whether a desired specialization is offered regularly or whether a course is available in the term you need it.

What is the location of San Francisco Bay University?

SFBU is in Fremont, in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its campus is at 161 Mission Falls Lane, near the Warm Springs area; it is not in the city of San Francisco despite the university's name.

Fremont's location offers access to Bay Area employers and communities, but travel time can vary considerably by route and schedule. Warm Springs/South Fremont is the nearby BART station, and regional bus and road connections are relevant for commuters. Prospective students who expect to work, live off campus, or attend evening classes should check the trip from their likely home to the campus at the hours they would actually travel.

What is the mission and vision of San Francisco Bay University?

SFBU presents its educational purpose around practical, career-relevant learning in business and technology. Its stated emphasis on applied study helps explain its relatively focused selection of academic programs.

A mission statement describes institutional priorities, not a measured outcome for every student. Applicants can assess how those priorities operate in a particular degree by examining required projects, opportunities for applied work, faculty availability, and the courses offered each term.

San Francisco Bay University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

San Francisco Bay University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Midsize

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

Under 1,000

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Trimesters

Foundation year

1984

San Francisco Bay University Programs and Degrees

iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.