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San Francisco State University

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

San Francisco State University award
San Francisco State University award
US ranking
position: 76
Tuition & fees per year: $8,328
Acceptance rate: 96.00%
Median alumni salary: $41,145
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What is the accreditation of San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized regional accrediting body in the United States. This accreditation confirms that the university meets defined standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational programs, governance, and student services.

In addition to institutional accreditation, several of its specialized programs have received accreditation from relevant professional organizations. These accreditations ensure that individual academic programs adhere to industry-specific criteria and prepare students to meet professional standards in their respective fields.

What are the admission requirements at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent high school education. A secondary school GPA and official school records must be submitted as part of the application process, while a specific high school class rank is recommended but not mandatory. Applicants must have completed a college preparatory program, and submission of recommendation letters, demonstration of competencies, and admission test scores are recommended to enhance the application.

English language proficiency is required, demonstrated by TOEFL scores, though other standardized test results may be recommended. The university does not have an open admission policy, meaning it applies selective criteria in its admissions process. College credit, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits, is accepted for qualifying courses. A computer is not required for application, but computer leasing options may be available.

Application volume is notably high, with nearly 30,000 applicants and approximately 28,700 admissions, reflecting a broad interest and competitive admissions environment. The acceptance rate stands at around 96%, indicating a relatively high likelihood of admission for qualified applicants. Enrollment figures show about 3,000 students matriculating, with a balanced gender split among those admitted and enrolled.

What are the application fees and waivers at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay an application fee upon submission. This fee is set at a standard amount that helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. For graduate applicants, the fee might differ based on the specific program or department.

Applicants who may face financial hardships have the option to request a fee waiver. To qualify for this waiver, individuals typically need to provide documentation demonstrating economic need or eligibility under certain criteria, such as participation in federal assistance programs.

Fee waivers are intended to reduce barriers for students from diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring broader access to higher education opportunities at the university.

What types of ROTC programs are available at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University does not currently host any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch units on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs would need to seek opportunities through cooperating host institutions, as no specific ROTC branch unit is affiliated directly with this university.

What are the requirements for transfer students at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University allows transfer students to begin their studies in the fall and spring terms. The university accepts various credit examinations, including CLEP general and subject exams as well as DANTES credits, which can facilitate the transfer process for eligible students. Additionally, transfer applications that include letters of recommendation are accepted, adding an evaluative component beyond standard academic records.

What types of study abroad programs are available at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester and year-long exchanges as well as shorter faculty-led trips during summer or winter sessions. Students can choose from a diverse range of destinations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, allowing them to tailor their international education to their academic goals and personal interests.

The university collaborates with partner institutions worldwide to provide semester-long exchange programs, where students pay tuition to San Francisco State University while attending classes overseas. This option enables students to immerse themselves in a foreign academic environment while maintaining progress toward their degree requirements.

Additionally, shorter-term faculty-led programs offer students focused study on specific subjects combined with cultural excursions. These trips usually last a few weeks and are integrated with academic coursework, making them an accessible option for students who cannot commit to a full semester abroad.

San Francisco State University also supports internships and service-learning programs abroad, providing practical experience in international settings. This variety of formats-exchange programs, faculty-led courses, internships, and service opportunities-gives students flexibility in how they can incorporate global study into their university journey.

San Francisco State University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score N/A
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score N/A
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 96%

San Francisco State University Admissions

Applicants Total: 29,878
Admission Total: 28,727
Enrolled Total: 2,985
Women
Men

San Francisco State University Admission Requirements

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Recommended

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Recommended

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Recommended

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

San Francisco State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Data not available

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Data not available

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring