
1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132-1722, USA


San Francisco State University began as a normal school dedicated to training teachers when it was founded in 1899. Its early years were marked by gradual growth and expansion in academic programs, reflecting a broader mission beyond teacher education. By the mid-20th century, the institution had evolved into a comprehensive university, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.
Significant transformations occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, a period characterized by student activism that influenced the university's development and policies. This era cemented its commitment to social justice and inclusive education, shaping a distinct identity within the California State University system.
Today, San Francisco State University is recognized for its diverse academic offerings and continued dedication to serving a varied student body. Its historical trajectory from a teacher-training school to a multifaceted university highlights its responsiveness to changing educational demands and societal needs.
San Francisco State University offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to accommodate a wide array of student interests and career goals. The university is organized into several colleges, each housing specialized departments that deliver focused educational programs.
The College of Business provides programs that prepare students for careers in management, marketing, finance, and other business-related fields. It emphasizes practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.
The College of Health and Social Sciences includes departments such as nursing, social work, and public health, catering to students aiming for professions in healthcare and community services.
The College of Liberal & Creative Arts encompasses departments like cinema, journalism, music, and visual arts, supporting students interested in creative expression and media industries.
The College of Science & Engineering features departments in biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering disciplines, focusing on scientific research and technological innovation.
The College of Ethnic Studies stands out as a significant academic unit, offering programs centered on African American, Asian American, Latin American, and Native American studies. This college explores cultural, historical, and social issues pertinent to these communities.
San Francisco State University is situated at 1600 Holloway Avenue in the western part of San Francisco, California, within the 94132-1722 postal area. The campus is accessible via the area code 338-1100 for telephone inquiries. The university's location in San Francisco places it near the San Francisco International Airport, facilitating convenient travel options for students and visitors.
San Francisco State University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment that emphasizes social justice, critical thinking, and experiential learning. The university's mission centers on preparing students to become engaged citizens and ethical leaders by offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The institution envisions itself as a community where innovation and cultural awareness thrive, supporting student growth both intellectually and personally. Its goals include promoting equity and access in education while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and civic responsibility.
Through its commitment to diversity and inclusion, San Francisco State University aims to provide a transformative educational experience that equips students to address complex societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Name of the institution
San Francisco State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1899
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$52,626Anthropology
$34,390Apparel and Textiles
$35,641Applied Mathematics
Data not availableArea Studies
Data not availableAstronomy and Astrophysics
Data not availableBehavioral Sciences
Data not availableBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$36,024Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Data not availableBiology, General
$38,903Botany/Plant Biology
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
$46,360Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$36,145Chemistry
Data not availableCivil Engineering
$65,046Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableClinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$42,620Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
$31,065Computer and Information Sciences, General
$46,126Computer Engineering
$59,604Computer Science
$55,088Criminal Justice and Corrections
$37,329Dance
Data not availableDesign and Applied Arts
$37,384Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$26,049East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$39,250Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Data not availableEconomics
$43,709Education, General
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$58,942English Language and Literature, General
$31,355Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
$35,417Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
$36,459Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$24,940Finance and Financial Management Services
$44,983Fine and Studio Arts
$27,781Geography and Cartography
$37,822Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Data not availableGermanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$28,883Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$41,041Health-Related Knowledge and Skills
Data not availableHistory
$33,036Hospitality Administration/Management
$45,806Human Resources Management and Services
Data not availableIndustrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableInternational Business
$47,226International Relations and National Security Studies
$33,835Journalism
$36,564Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34,650Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$29,969Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$50,942Marketing
$44,964Mathematics
Data not availableMechanical Engineering
$65,759Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
$47,260Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableNatural Resources Conservation and Research
$34,794Natural Sciences
Data not availableNutrition Sciences
$24,267Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
$33,087Philosophy
$34,537Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
Data not availablePhysical Sciences
Data not availablePhysics
Data not availablePhysiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
$35,916Political Science and Government
$37,487Psychology, General
$29,678Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$34,408Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$99,655Religion/Religious Studies
Data not availableRhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$30,994Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$34,294Social Sciences, General
Data not availableSocial Work
$32,501Sociology
$37,633Special Education and Teaching
Data not availableStatistics
Data not availableStudent Counseling and Personnel Services
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38,565Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not availableUrban Studies/Affairs
$41,994Zoology/Animal Biology
$33,776